COPYRIGHT FOR NPWS · 4.7.1 Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park and Garawarra State...

ii AUDLEY MASTERPLAN :: May 2006

COPYRIGHT FOR NPWS

Published by the Department of Environment and Conservation(NSW), December 2003.

Copyright © Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW).NPWS is part of the Department of Environment and Conservation(NSW)

ISBN 0 7313 6730 8

Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study,research, criticism or review, as permitted under the AustralianCopyright Act, no part of this publication may be reproduced by anyprocess without written permission from the Department ofEnvironment and Conservation (NSW). Inquiries should beaddressed to the Department of Environment and Conservation(NSW).

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily representthose of the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW).While every effort has been made to ensure that the information isaccurate at the time of printing, the DEC (NSW) cannot acceptresponsibility for any errors or omissions.

National Parks and Wildlife ServiceP O Box 1967Hurstville NSW 2220Phone: 1300 361 967 or 02 9253 4600

CONSULTANT DETAILS

prepared by:CONTEXT Landscape DesignABN: 1407441128852-58 William StreetEAST SYDNEY NSW 2011Ref No. 03.532

in association with:CAB CONSULTING PTY LTDABN: 48076670990P O Box 277CHURCH POINT NSW 2105

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CONTENTSFront page iCopyright and Consultant Details iiTable of Contents iiiList of Plates vList of Figures xiiiList of Appendices xvExecutive Summary xvi

PART I INTRODUCTION1.1 Background 11.2 The Role of this Plan 31.3 The Study Area 51.4 Aims, Objectives and Scope 71.5 Methodology 81.6 Limitations 91.7 Acknowledgements 9

PART II UNDERSTANDING AUDLEY2.1 Historical Overview 112.1.1 Aboriginal Occupation 112.1.2 Exploration and Surveys 1788 - 1878 112.1.3 Park Trust management of The National Park

1879 - 1890 122.1.4 Management and Development of Audley

1879 - 1890 152.1.5 Park Trust management of The National Park



1949 - 1954 282.1.8 Park Trust management of the Royal National

Park 1955 -1966 292.1.9 National Parks & Wildlife Service management

of Royal National Park 1967 - present 312.2 Physical Assessment 342.2.1 Natural Environment 382.2.2 Aboriginal Heritage 492.2.3 Built Form 522.2.4 Cultural Landscape 652.2.5 Historical Archaeology 662.3 Visitor Use, Social Values and Management 682.3.1 Visitor Use at Audley 682.3.2 Community Values 702.3.3 NPWS Management 722.4 Landscape Character, Precincts and

Condition Assessment 74

PART III SIGNIFICANCE3.1 Introduction 773.1.1 Methodology 773.1.2 Comparative Analysis 773.1.3 Historic Themes 793.1.4 Assessment of Significance 843.1.5 Statement of Significance 863.2 Schedule of Significant Areas and Items 883.2.1 Audley Approaches 893.2.2 Audley 90

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PART IV CONSERVATION POLICY REVIEW4.1 Information for Conservation Policy 1134.2 Existing Conservation Policies 1134.3 Requirements Arising form Significance 1144.3.1 Landscape Setting 1144.3.2 Built Form 1154.3.3 Archaeological 1184.4 Condition of Areas and Items 1184.5 Uses 1204.6 Clients Requirements 1224.7 Statutory and other external constraints 1224.7.1 Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park and

Garawarra State Recreation Area Plan of Management123

4.7.2 The Australian ICOMOS Burra Charter 1244.7.3 NSW State Government 1254.7.4 Sutherland Shire Council Draft LEP 2003 1254.7.5 NSW Heritage Act (1977) 1254.7.6 NSW Heritage Register 1264.7.7 Environment & Planning Assessment Act (1997) 1264.7.8 Additional State Legislation 1264.7.9 Register of the National Estate 1264.7.10 International Treatise 1264.7.11 Building Code of Australia 1264.7.12 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act (1974) 1274.7.12 NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1274.7.13 Rural Fires Act 1997 1274.7.14 Occupational Health and Safety Act 1284.8 Statement of Conservation Policy 1284.8.1 Introduction 1284.8.2 General Conservation Policies 1294.9 Detailed Conservation Policies 1304.9.1 Adoption of the Conservation Management Plan 1304.9.2 Statutory Considerations 1304.9.3 Approach to maintenance to the fabric 1304.9.4 Approach to changes to the fabric 1314.9.5 Integrity of design 1314.9.6 Recording of changes 1314.9.7 Conservation advice 1314.9.8 Archaeology 1314.9.9 Interpretation 1324.9.10 Future use and development 1324.9.11 Conservation Works 1334.9.12 Review of Conservation Management Plan 135

PART V LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN5.1 Introduction 1375.1.1 Conservation of Ecological Systems 1375.1.2 Conservation of Recreational Parkland 1375.1.3 Contrast 1385.1.4 Connectivity 1385.1.5 Landscape Design Guidelines 1395.2 Actions 1405.3 Masterplan 161

Bibliography 163Appendices 165

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LIST OF PLATES

Plate 1 Historic Photo: Allambie House viewed fromPavilion Flat

Plate 2 Historic Photo: Audley Weir and former Boatshed

Plate 3 Allambie Flat, a popular picnicking spot, 2003

Plate 4 Sandstone outcrops and indigenous vegetationedges the Audley Weir Pool, 2003

Plate 5 View through the bush to an open grassy flat inAudley ‘Core’, 2003

Plate 6 View over the Royal National Park and Audleywith the Hacking Estuary taken from FlorenceParade, 2003

Plate 7 Audley Village view from Audley Road, 2003

Plate 8 Boating on Audley Weir Pool, 2003

Plate 9 Community workshop, June 2003

Plate 10 Early clearing of the bush for new roads

Plate 11 An early crossing over Pork Hacking Estuary

Plate 12 View to Pavilion Flat from the Boatshed

Plate 13 Audley Weir Pool

Plate 14 1938 View from Pool Flat Road looking west

Plate 15 Former tennis court and site of vegetablegardens and orchard

Plate 16 Former bowling green Allambie Flat c.1940

Plate 17 View from ‘The Rest’

Plate 18 Audley Road cutting through the park

Plate 19 Former cottage, Allambie Slopes

Plate 20 View of Audley Village from Pavilion Flat

Plate 21 Bridge over overflow at weir

Plate 22 Cable crossing Allambie Flat

Plate 23 Lady Carrington Road

Plate 24 Bridge over Lady Carrington Road

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Plate 25 Former boatshed adjacent to weir

Plate 26 Former boatshed and weir

Plate 27 View from ‘The Rest’ to Audley Weir Pool

Plate 28 New Audley Road

Plate 29 Causeway Lady Carrington Drive

Plate 30 National Park Station

Plate 31 Trustees Cottage and Boatshed and ‘The Rest’

Plate 32 Kangaroo Creek Bridge to Allambie Flat

Plate 33 Varney Bridge to Currawong Flat

Plate 34 View of Audley ‘Village’ Public Pavilion fromPavilion Flat c.1890

Plate 35 Audley ‘Village’ and Allambie House

Plate 36 Former Stables, Audley Village

Plate 37 Relocated windmill on Currawong Flat

Plate 38 Junction of River and Creek, Audley Weir Pool

Plate 39 Former Boatshed and Weir

Plate 40 View of Hacking Saltwater Estuary from AllambieRidge

Plate 41 Bus Training Area and Waiting Shed adjacent toNational Park Station

Plate 42 Trustees Cottage

Plate 43 Former Trustees Cottage Allambie Slopes

Plate 44 Trustees Cottage and Audley Village (AllambieFlat and Allambie Ridge)

Plate 45 Boatshed, Trustees Cottage and Audley Village

Plate 46 View of Allambie House from Pavilion Flat

Plate 47 Allambie House Viewed from Pavilion Flat

Plate 48 1947 Aerial Photo

Plate 49 View of ‘The Rest’ from Currawong Flat

Plate 50 View along Kangaroo Creek to Pavilion Flat

Plate 51 1940 Aviary located on Edge of Pavilion Flat

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Plate 52 Boatshed c.1938

Plate 53 View to Allambie Flat and Audley Village overKangaroo Creek

Plate 54 Allambie House Forecourt and Garage

Plate 55 Pavilion Flat

Plate 56 View from Winfred Falls Track over Pavilion Flat

Plate 57 View west of Pavilion Flat from Above

Plate 58 Edge at Kookaburra Flat, 1987

Plate 59 Dock Flat retaining Wall, 1987

Plate 60 Commonwealth Pavilion, 1987

Plate 61 Fig Tree Flat, 1987

Plate 62 View of Allambie Flat from site of KangarooCreek Bridge abutment on Currawong Slopes

Plate 63 Audley Weir Pool, 1987

Plate 64 View of Boatshed from Pavilion Flat, 1987

Plate 65 View West from Allambie Flat over KangarooCreek Section of Audley Weir Pool

Plate 66 Exotic species: Poplus and Cupressus sp onAllambie Flat, 2003

Plate 67 Exotic species: Ducks in Audley Weir Pool, 2003

Plate 68 Rock engravings from the Sydney Precinct(Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW)

Plate 69 Diagram of rock engravings from the SydneyPrecinct (John F Mann, Notes on the Aboriginesof Australia, Geographical Society ofAustralasia Proceedings, 1883-4, MitchellLibrary, State Library of NSW)

Plate 70 Lithograph showing Aboriginal methods ofpunishment (Montague Scott; ‘Customs ofAboriginals in NSW – Punishment’ MitchellLibrary, State Library of NSW)

Plate 71 Site of Lord Audley’s ‘Camp’ on Allambie Ridge,2003

Plate 72 Detail of Lateritic and sandstone wall, 2003

Plate 73 Historic Photo: Timber Bridge in Audley


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Plate 75 The Boathouse at Audley, 2003

Plate 76 Historic Photo: Allambie House on the site ofthe ‘Camp’

Plate 77 Dance Hall and Kiosk facility, 2003

Plate 78 Audley Weir, 2003

Plate 79 Timber Wharf structure, 2003

Plate 80 The Varney Bridge connecting Currawong Flat,2003

Plate 81 Shelter pavilion on Willow Tree Flat, 2003

Plate 82-86 Audley wall detail, 2003

Plate 87-91 Audley wall detail, 2003

Plate 92 Gardener’s Cottage Complex, former garage, 2003

Plate 93 Gardener’s Cottage, brick walled and tiled hippedroof, 2003.

Plate 94 B3 Royal National Park Headquarters and Visitor’sCentre (1979)

Plate 95 B2 National Park Railway Station (1886). Photo, 2003

Plate 96 B4 Education demountable classrooms and office.Photo, 2003

Plate 97 B5 (1962) Former Superintendent’s Residence, 2003

Plate 98 B6 (1962) Former Superintendent’s Residence, 2003

Plate 99 B1 Cottage (1886 +1891 Post Office) and Garage.View from road, 2003

Plate 100 B2 Former Trust Office (1956)

Plate 101 B6 Toilet Block (1934). Photo, 2003

Plate 102 B1 Boatshed (1938). Photo, 2003

Plate 103 B1 Commonwealth Pavilion (1901 + ongoing repairs).Photo, 2003

Plate 104&105 B2 Former Dance Hall and Kiosk (1948). Photo,2003

Plate 106 B3 Toilet Block (1941). Photo, 2003

Plate 107 B4 Kiosk (1980). Photo, 2003

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Plate 108 B1 Rangers Cottage (1907-8). Photo, 2003

Plate 109 Currawong Flat. B1 Toilet Block (1975 + recentworks). Photo, 2003

Plate 110 Willow Tree Flat. B1 Toilet Block (1975 + recentworks). Photo, 2003

Plate 111 Willow Tree Flat. B2 Shelter Pavilion (1959)

Plate 112 B1 Rangers Cottage (1907-8). Photo, 2003

Plate 113&114 Kookaburra Flat. B1 Shelter Pavilion (1958)

Plate 115 Kookaburra Flat. B2 Toilet Block (1975 + recentworks). Photo, 2003

Plate 116 Reid’s Flat. B1 Cottage (1884). Photo, 2003

Plate 117 Reid’s Flat. B2 Toilet Block (1944). Photo, 2003

Plate 118 Araucaria on Currawong Flat, 2003

Plate 119 Poplars (Poplus nigra) and Brush Box(Lophostemon confertus) trees (on right), 2003

Plate 120 Hills fig (Ficus macrocarpa x ‘hillii’) and BlackBean (Castanospermum australe) trees, 2003

Plate 121 Poplar (Poplus deltoides) and London Plane(Platanus x hybrida) on Pavilion Flat, 2003

Plate 122 Boating around the flats, 2003

Plate 123 The well used Commonwealth Pavilion, 2003

Plate 124 Group gatherings on Kookaburra Flat, 2003

Plate 125 Community workshop, June 2003

Plate 126 Macedonian Christmas picnic, 1999 (ThomasM, 2001, National Parks and the MacedonianExperience, Pluto Press, Aust.)

Plate 127 Macedonians on Varney Bridge, Christmas1999 (Thomas M, 2001, National Parks and theMacedonian Experience, Pluto Press, Aust.)

Plate 128 Vietnamese students’ barbeque at RoyalNational Park (Thomas M, 2002, National Parksand the Vietnamese Experience, Pluto Press,Aust.)

Plate 129 Boating in Royal National Park (Thomas M,2002, National Parks and the VietnameseExperience, Pluto Press, Aust.)

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Plate 130 Saltwater body. View to Reid’s Flat, 2003-10-13

Plate 131 Freshwater body adjacent Audley Weir, 2003

Plate 132 The grassy and alluvial Willow Tree and FigTree Flat, 2003

Plate 133 Modified sandstone terracing, 2003

Plate 134 Steep sandstone slopes with indigenousvegetation, 2003

Plate 135 Sandstone plateau with incised creek lines,2003

Plate 136 Environment: Natural landscape in Audley,2003

Plate 137 Environment: Grassed flats in Audley Core,2003

Plate 138 Environment: Contrasting landscape types inAudley. Grassy flats on Allambie Flat lookingacross to natural bushland, 2003

Plate 139 Events: Picnicking on Allambie Flat, 2003

Plate 140 Labour: Road clearing

Plate 141 Education: Macedonian introduction to theAustralian bush (Thomas M, 2001, NationalParks and the Macedonian Experience, PlutoPress, Aust.)

Plate 142 Leisure: Lawn Bowls on Allambie Flat, 2003

Plate 143 Persons: Sir John Robertson

Plate 144 Aesthetic Value: Allambie Flat contrasting withthe surrounding natural landscape, 2003

Plate 145 Aesthetic Value: View from Allambie Flat toVarney Bridge, 2003

Plate 146 Social Values: A group gathering onCurrawong Flat, 2003

Plate 147 Toilet Block on Allambie Flat, 2003

Plate 148 Gardener’s Cottage and Garage, 2003

Plate 149 Picnic Shelter on Willow Tree Flat, 2003

Plate 150 Cottage on Allambie Ridge, former Post Office,2003

Plate 151 Boatshed on Allambie Flat, 2003

Plate 152 Dance Hall and Kiosk building, 2003

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Plate 155 World War I 1914-1918 Roll of Honour,Allambie Ridge, Audley, 2003

Plate 156 Existing carparking facility, Pavilion Flat, 2003

Plate 157 Existing signage, Currawong Flat, 2003

Plate 158 Existing barbeque, Willow Tree Flat, 2003

Plate 159 Allambie Flat, 2003

Plate 160 Ironbark / Pavilion Flat, 2003

Plate 161 The Fish Ladder by Audley Weir, 2003

Plate 162 Audley Weir, 2003

Plate 163 Road Approach to Audley, Audley Road, 2003

Plate 164 Contrasting steep and flat landforms,contrasting natural and cultivated landscapes,Allambie Slopes, 2003.

Plate 165 Vegetation: Culturally significant plantings:Washingtonia robusta palms at the entry toPavilion Flat, 2003

Plate 166 Waterform: Audley Weir Pool, view fromPavilion Flat to Allambie Flat and boatshed,2003

Plate 167 Materials: a stone wall on the estuary side ofAudley, 2003

Plate 168 Audley and Port Hacking Estuary within theRoyal National Park, 2003

Plate 169 Hacking Estuary: Boating up the Estuary, 2003

Plate 170 Audley Weir Pool: Rowboats in the freshwater,2003

Plate 171 Allambie Ridge and Slopes: Former AllambieHouse and ‘The Rest’ site, 2003

Plate 172 Allambie Ridge and Slopes: Sandstone stepsby lookout to former stables and garage site,2003

Plate 173 Allambie Ridge and Slopes: Lookout, 2003

Plate 174 Allambie Ridge and Slopes: Terraced slopeswith former view to the water, 2003

Plate 175 Beside Audley Weir, 2003.

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Plate 176 Allambie Flat: boatshed and former terracedrockeries, 2003

Plate 177 Allambie Flat: view from former AllambieHouse and ‘The Rest’ site, 2003

Plate 178 Pavilion Flat: from across Audley Weir Pool,2003

Plate 179 Pavilion Flat: toilet block and Dance Hall andKiosk building, 2003

Plate 180 Ranger’s Slope: Southern approach from roadand Rangers Cottage, 2003

Plate 181 Currawong Flat: view from Allambie Flat acrossKangaroo Creek, 2003

Plate 182 Currawong Flat: view from Pavilion Flat acrossAudley Weir Pool, 2003

Plate 183 Willow Tree and Fig Tree Flat: view over WillowTree Flat car park to Audley Weir Pool

Plate 184 Willow Tree and Fig Tree Flat: view over carpark, 2003

Plate 185 Willow Tree and Fig Tree Flat: grassy flats

Plate 186 View to steep terrain between Currawong Flatand Kangaroo Flat, from Allambie Flat, 2003.

Plate 187 Kangaroo Flat: view of Kangaroo Creek bendfrom Lookout on Allambie Ridge, 2003

Plate 188 Dock Flat: by Audley Weir, 2003

Plate 189 Dock Flat: view of car park, 2003

Plate 190 Dock Flat: from the weir section of Allambie Flat,2003

Plate 191 Pool Flat and Slopes: grassy flat, 2003

Plate 192 Pool Flat and Slopes: sea well detail, 2003

Plate 193 Pool Flat and Slopes: view from former housesites on Pool Slopes, 2003

Plate 194 Reid’s Flat: view over Hacking Estuary from carpark, 2003

Plate 195 Reid’s Flat: grassy flats, 2003

Plate 196 Kookaburra Flat: grassy picnic area, 2003

Plate 197 Kookaburra Flat: view from Lady CarringtonDrive, 2003

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Plate 198 Audley Approaches: rail link, 2003

Plate 199 Audley Approaches: Gardener’s cottage andgarage, 2003

Plate 200 Audley Approaches: Farnell Avenue entrystatement, 2003

Plate 201 Audley Approaches: Royal National ParkRailway Station showing tram usage, 2003

Plate 202 Audley Approaches: Hacking River Estuary,training walls, 2003

Plate 203 Audley Approaches: Hacking River Estuary byRiverside Track, 2003

Plate 204 Audley Approaches: Lady Carrington Drive,southern entry, 2003

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Diagram showing the role of the ConservationManagement Plan and Landscape Masterplanfor Audley, Royal National Park

Figure 2 Regional Plan: The Royal National Park withinthe Sydney Basin

Figure 3 Regional Plan: Audley within the RoyalNational Park

Figure 4 Audley Approaches showing location andcontext

Figure 5 Historic Diagram: 1879 - 1888

Figure 6 Historic Diagram: 1883 – 1890



Figure 9 Historic Diagram: 1949 - 1987


Figure 11 Physical Qualities of Audley

Figure 12 Physical: Landform

Figure 13 Physical: Structures, View and Links

Figure 14 Natural: Elements

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Figure 15 Natural: Aspect

Figure 16 Archaeological Site Plan

Figure 17 Port Hacking Estuary

Figure 18 Audley Weir Pool

Figure 19 Allambie Ridge and Slopes

Figure 20 Allambie Flat

Figure 21 Dock Flat

Figure 22 Pavilion Flat, Pavilion Slope and Ranger’sSlope

Figure 23 Currawong Flat

Figure 24 Kookaburra Flat, Kookaburra Slopes, WillowTree Flat and Fig Tree Flat

Figure 25 Kangaroo Flat

Figure 26 Reid’s Flat and Reid’s Slope

Figure 27 Pool Flat and Slopes

Figure 28 Audley Boatshed, 1938 (Sketch: CABConsulting, 2003)

Figure 29 Audley Dance Hall and Kiosk (Sketch: CABConsulting, 2003)

Figure 30 Commonwealth Pavilion, 1901 (Sketch: CABConsulting, 2003)

Figure 31 Masterplan: Audley Approaches

Figure 32 Masterplan: Audley

Figure 33 Masterplan: Audley ‘Core’ Village

Figure 34 Masterplan: Audley Core Sections, IndicativeSignage, and Interpretive Installations.

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LIST OF APPENDICES

A. Burton, C. Outline History. 167

B. NPWS, 1998, Historic Heritage Management System(NPWS), Statement of Significance from Listing ofAudley Village, Item ID 2125. 171

C. Brian McDonald et al, Statement of Significance fromAudley Conservation Plan, published report preparedfor NSW NPWS (1987). 173

D. Masson Wilson Twiney, Audley Master Plan TrafficReview, unpublished report prepared for NSWNPWS (08/2003). 175

E. 3-D Projects, Audley Interpretation Strategy, un-published report prepared for NSW NPWS (08/2003). 183

F. Morton, A. (Earthscape Horticultural Services) TreeHazard Assessment Royal National Park, Audley, un-published report prepared for NSW NPWS (08/2003). 193

G. Stone, C. Summary of Participant Discussion, un-published report prepared for NSW NPWS (07/2003). 203

H. Stratcorp Consulting, An Assessment of RecreationalUses in Audley - Research and Recommendations, un-published report prepared for NSW NPWS (08/2003). 211

I. Audley Open Day Questionnaire 223

J. NPWS, Friday June 20th 2003, Audley Masterplan,Community Consultation, NPWS Staff Forum. 227

K. NPWS, Fauna species list for species foundat Audley. 235

L. Thorp Wendy, 1987, Inventory of ArchaeologicalItems, from 1987 Conservation Plan for Audley. 237

M. NPWS, April 2004, List of Submissions Receivedduring Public Exhibition Period of Draft AudleyMasterplan. February 22 - April 18, 2004. 247

N. NSW Department of Commerce, 2004, AudleySewerage Scheme - Audley Precinct Sewer Transfer,NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (2 plans). 249

O. Criteria for the Register of the National Estate 251

P. Action Plan - Costings 253

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Plan is a vision for Audley based on its heritagesignificance as assessed from existing documentary andphysical evidence. It provides a framework for the protectionand enhancement of Audley’s natural heritage and a strategyfor proposals for future works.

Audley is a complex of a central freshwater body upstreamand a saltwater body downstream around which recreationalpicnic ground and facilities have evolved within the floodzoneof the two drainage catchments. Upslope areas haveevolved as places of permanent settlement foraccommodation and administration purposes beyond theflooding levels but they also borrow view over the waterbodies and the spatial confluence of the two valleys.

The visual and spatial structure of Audley is an essentialingredient of the place and has been used by bothindigenous and non indigenous occupiers to interpret itsgiven and made landscapes.

The area referred to variously as Audley, Audley Village, andAudley Precinct or Audley Pleasure Grounds consists of tennon-contiguous grassed flats dispersed along the HackingRiver and Kangaroo Creek north and south of the AudleyWeir. It also includes the Audley Weir Pool, the adjacentslopes, and the upper reaches of Port Hacking. The visualcatchment of surrounding slopes, ridges and plateau, andthe key approach routes form the landscape setting forAudley. The landscape master plan component of this reportfocuses on this core area, but for the purposes ofunderstanding the heritage value of Audley, the study areaextends beyond the visual catchment to consider existing andformer road alignments, existing and former walking tracks,existing and former railway alignments and the Port Hackingestuary

The Audley precinct is one of the significant culturallandscapes within Royal National Park. Commonly knownas a pleasure ground or picnic ground, Audley is the oldestof the cultural landscapes within the park developed forrecreational purposes. The cultural significance of Audleyat a state level was given legislative status in 1999, when itwas listed as the Audley historic recreational complex onthe NSW State Heritage Register. The basis of significancerests in Audley’s role as a focal point for visitors since theestablishment of the park in 1879, and as a physicalrecord of all phases of the park’s development. AudleyVillage contains physical evidence of the major phases ofrecreational and conservation management practiceswhich have influenced the development of the RoyalNational Park. The structures and plantings reflect andsymbolise the historic development of the Park, such thatassociations with historical events and people arecommonly focused on this area. It also contains remainsand archaeological sites of associational significance tothe Park. It is part of the territory of the Dharawal people

xviiAUDLEY MASTERPLAN :: May 2006

and contributes to their cultural continuity and renewal.Audley also plays an important role in the adaptation ofimmigrants to the Australian culture and to concepts of thenatural environment.

No comprehensive plan for Audley has been preparedsince 1987. This report builds upon the 1987 report and isdriven by incremental changes to the buildings andlandscape at Audley that have occurred over the last 15years, the current condition of buildings and landscapes,and changes in heritage management guidelines.

The resultant report is a synthesis of a conservation planreview and master plan with four main components:a review of Audley’s heritage and associated values (PartII: Understanding Audley);an updated assessment of Audley’s significance, includinga statement of significance (Part III);a conservation policy (Part IV)a landscape master plan (Part V).

This report reviews and updates the 1987 ConservationPlan to reflect current standards of practice in themanagement of heritage resources, with a particular focuson obligations toward cultural and ecologicalsustainability. It takes a holistic approach by integratingcultural and natural values in its analysis andrecommendations for Audley. Finally the master planfocuses on enhancing the visitor experience at Audleythrough improved access circulation, facilities andinterpretation without compromising the existing heritagevalues at Audley

The masterplan actions are the recommendations whichidentify the need to prioritise the conservation of thelandscape heritage values over recreation demands. Therecommendations are subject to further conceptual anddetailed design work and particularly the need for acomprehensive detailed survey plan of the entire studyarea. The masterplan identifies the scope of work and thequalities to be addressed in all future work to the place.The masterplan actions are identified on the drawings andwithin the text of this report and are summarized asfollows:

• Interpretation of the existing significant fabric andits appropriate conservation

• Interpretation of sites of former activities• New works to enhance the vitality of the place

Of cultural importance is the issue of access and the needto prioritise alternative public transportation by ferry, train,tram, and bus to reduce the physical impact of motorvehicles on Audley. Similarly the need to slow down therough vehicular traffic is a critical issue to the appreciationand safe use of Audley.

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1AUDLEY MASTERPLAN :: May 2006

from top:

Plate 1:Historic Photos: Allambie House viewed fromPavilion Flat c.1938

Plate 2Historic Photo: Audley Weir and formerBoatshed c.1890

Part IIUnderstanding Audley

PART I INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Together with Lady Carrington Drive and the coastal cabincommunities, the Audley precinct is one of the significant culturallandscapes within Royal National Park. Commonly known as apleasure ground or picnic ground, Audley is the oldest of the culturallandscapes within the park developed for recreational purposes.The cultural significance of Audley at a state level was givenlegislative status in 1999, when it was listed as the Audley historicrecreational complex on the NSW State Heritage Register. The basisof significance rests in Audley's role as a focal point for visitorssince the establishment of the park in 1879, and as a physical recordof all phases of the park's development.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has managedRoyal National Park since 1967. The NPWS has a legal obligation toconserve places of natural and cultural heritage value, and a charterto foster the appreciation of these values. In reference to thisservice-wide obligation, the current Plan of Management for RoyalNational Park (2000) identified a need to address a gap in its inventoryand assessment of the non-Aboriginal heritage of the park. (NSWNPWS, 2000, p. 32) Although a thorough thematic history, inventoryand assessment was prepared for Audley in 1987 as part of theAudley Conservation Plan, only a few of the recommendations ofthis plan were implemented, namely the stabilization of the DanceHall and the Picnic Pavilion and the selective removal of exoticvegetation. In 2000, conservation plans for the Former Audley PostOffice Cottage and the Audley Boatshed were undertaken, but nocomprehensive plan for Audley has been prepared since 1987. Thisreport redresses this situation by reviewing and updating the 1987Conservation Plan to reflect current standards of practice in themanagement of heritage resources, with a particular focus onobligations toward cultural and ecological sustainability. Finally, thisreport takes a holistic approach by integrating cultural and naturalvalues in its analysis and recommendations for Audley.

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Figure 1Diagram showing the role of the Conserva-t ion Management Plan and LandscapeMasterplan for Audley, Royal National Park

NSWNPWS Act1974NSW ThreatenedS p e c i e sConservation Act

NSW Heritage OfficeNSW Heritage Act(1977)NSW Heritage Manual

Level 1:The 1974 Act established thestatewide organization, andi ts operat ions andobligations.

Level 2:The Cultural Her i tageDivision guides the NPWS inidentifying, understandingand conserving culturallandscapes.

Level 3Regional level NPWSmanagement overseesassets and monitorscompliance with statewidepolicies.

Level 4A plan of management is astatutory document whichestablishes managementstrategies and objectives forcommunity land. The 2000RNP plan identified the needfor conservat ionmanagement plans for anumber of sites within thepark.

Level 5The Audley Master Planestabl ishes a designframework for future designdevelopment at Audley. Itensures that balancedconsideration is applied toher i tage values andrecreational needs.

NSW NPWSCorporate Plan(2000-2003)and broad pol icies(risk management, signmanuals, etc.)

NSW NPWSCultural Heritage DivisionCultural Her i tageStrategic Policy, 2001and associatedguidelines

NSW NPWSCentral Directorate andNSW NPWS South SydneyRegion

NSW NPWSRoyal AreaRoyal National ParkRoyal National Park, HeathcoteNational Park and GarawarraState Recreation Area Plan ofManagement (2000)Audley Conservation Plan(1987)Other related plans

for Royal NationalPark: Fire RiskM a n a g e m e n t ,V e g e t a t i o nManagement, etc.

Audley Master PlanIncorporating the ConservationManagement Plan and VisitorManagement Strategy

Design Development for Audley


from top:

Plate 3:Allambie Flat, a popular picnicking spot, 2003

Plate 4:Sandstone outcrops and indigenous vegeta-tion edges the Audley Weir Pool, 2003

1.2 The Role of this Plan

The NSW NPWS is a large organization with several layers ofmanagement and corresponding policies that govern the planningand management of its assets. The NPWS has service-wide policiesto address fire risk, flora and fauna management, signage policies,education and interpretative objectives. These are filtered throughthe Central Directorate, Regional and Area Offices, and applied toindividual parks in Plans of Management.

The Audley Master Plan is one of several 'sub-plans of management'undertaken to meet the requirements of the current Royal NationalPark, Heathcote National Park and Garawarra State Recreation AreaPlan of Management (2000). The Plan of Management is a statutorydocument and the primary planning tool for the park, and this currentplan mandated the preparation of conservation plans for places ofcultural significance, and the preparation of master plans for placeswhich require active management.

The Audley Master Plan is a non-statutory document intended toguide the conservation, upgrade and future management of theAudley Precinct. It applies the policies and guidelines contained inthe Plan of Management and other relevant sub-management plans,such as the Fire Management Plan (draft, 2002) and the DeerManagement Plan (2002). It also incorporates responses to relevantlegislation and visitor surveys. It is structured to address Audley'srecognized cultural significance and its high usage. In order to beimplemented, following a public exhibition, this plan must be endorsedby NPWS and by the NSW Heritage Council or its delegate.Subsequent to its endorsement, additional research and detail designdevelopment will be undertaken to support implementation.


from top:

Figure 2Regional Plan: The Royal National Park withinthe Sydney Basin

Figure 3Regional Plan: Audley within the Royal Na-tional Park

Plate 5:View through the bush to an open grassy flatin Audley ‘Core’, 2003


from top:

Plate 6:View over the Royal National Park and Audleywith the Hacking Estuary taken from Flor-ence Parade, 2003

Plate 7:Audley Village view from Audley Road, 2003

1.3 The Study AreaAudley is located in a steep-sided valley in the northern section ofRoyal National Park at the confluence of Kangaroo Creek and theHacking River. Historically the land where Audley is located wasoccupied by the Dharawal people who lived in the area for manythousands of years. Later the area now known as Allambie Flat andAllambie Ridge was the site of Lord Audley's campsite, and wasreferred to as the Main Camp by the National Park Trustees in the19th century. The gradual expansion of recreational facilities withinthe vicinity of Audley Weir Pool has resulted in a larger area,consciously developed as a cultural landscape and generally referredto as Audley.

Today, the area referred to variously as Audley Village, AudleyPrecinct or Audley Pleasure Grounds consists of ten non-contiguousgrassed flats dispersed along the Hacking River and Kangaroo Creeknorth and south of the Audley Weir. It also includes the Audley WeirPool, the adjacent slopes, and the upper reaches of Port Hacking.The visual catchment of surrounding slopes, ridges and plateau,and the key approach routes form the landscape setting for Audley(see Figure 4). The landscape master plan component of this reportfocuses on this core area, but for the purposes of understandingthe heritage value of Audley, the study area extends beyond thevisual catchment to consider existing and former road alignments,existing and former walking tracks, existing and former railwayalignments and the Port Hacking estuary (see figure 4).


Figure 4:Audley Approaches showing location andcontext


from top:

Plate 8:Boating on Audley Weir Pool; 2003

1.4 Aims, Objectives and Scope

The aim of this report is to guide the future conservation andmanagement of the Audley Precinct.

Objectives required by the brief are as follows:Provide the foundation for integrated management that enhancesand preserves overall integrity;Raise perceptions of Audley as a special place for visitors and thegeneral community;• Provide for clear expression of values of the Audley Precinct in

the greater context of Royal National Park;• Provide sound planning, design and management guidelines

addressing appropriate conservation, use and management.• Plan to better meet recreational/user expectations through

improved facilities and access in a national park context;• Reflect community values in the preparation of the plan.

The scope of work for this document, as outlined in the brief, hastwo distinct parts: the review and update of the 1987 ConservationPlan for Audley and a preliminary design response to visitormanagement issues. The resultant report has four main components:a review of Audley's heritage and associated values (Part II:Understanding Audley);• an updated assessment of Audley's significance, including a

statement of significance (Part III);• a conservation policy (Part IV);• a landscape master plan (Part V).

Parts II, III, and IV comprise the Conservation Management Plan ofthe Audley Precinct. They consider in particular two changes inheritage practice since 1987: the introduction of more rigorousheritage assessment criteria and the adoption of a more holisticapproach to heritage practice. As a result, where the 1987 Planfocused on non-indigenous cultural heritage of the 'built environment'this Plan will integrate with the Master Plan to consider natural,indigenous and built heritage, alongside modern, visitor facilities andmanagement action. The fourth and fifth parts, the ConservationPolicy and Landscape Master Plan set out principles and actionsaimed at sustaining, and where possible, increasing, the highvisitation rates Audley currently receives without compromising itsheritage values.


Plate 9:Community workshop, June 2003

There are three areas of work involved in this scope of work:• The review and re-assessment of the heritage of Audley,

culminating in an updated Statement of Significance for the Audleyprecinct;

• Recommendations for conservation, new works and associateddesign guidelines;

• An assessment of the visitation patterns and associatedrecreational and user facilities, and design recommendations tomeet the needs of current and future visitors;

• Consideration of the social values and perceptions of the precinctby the general community to provide options for appropriate andpractical management of the site.

1.5 Methodology

The methodology that was adopted to produce this report was asfollows:• Analysis and research of existing documentation to date, based

on existing documents held by the National Parks and WildlifeService (NPWS) and supplemented by the consultant’s ownsupply of historic photographs, maps, drawings and publishedworks as well as material gained from the Open Day Workshop;

• Review and update of the existing Audley Conservation Plan(1987) to assess Audley‘s natural and cultural heritagesignificance;

• Preparation of plans of the precinct which include individualbuildings and heritage items;

• Preparation of a chronology of events that influenced thedevelopment of Audley as a place;

• Analysis of the physical qualities of the place: description of allhistoric heritage items; including description of their original andlater fabric and site modifications; and an analysis of thecondition and integrity of the fabric;

• Identification and description of known and potential historic andAboriginal archaeological sites and features;

• Comparative assessment of Audley with similar places in NSW;• Development of a Statement of Significance to provide a

framework to guide the conservation of all elements within theAudley area as well as any new works;

• Open Day Workshop and Reference Committee feedback;• Development of Landscape Design Principles;• Preparation of Draft Landscape Master Plan;• Identification of potential sites for conservation, interpretation

and new works together with a strategy for possibleimplementation and priority.


1.6 LimitationsThis report is based on the Audley Conservation Plan prepared in1987, on-site observations, studies conducted since 1987, and theattached consultants reports. This approach allowed considerationof general studies, most importantly of Aboriginal evidence in thearea and multicultural heritage. Additional surveys designedspecifically for Audley such as a visitor survey, a flora and faunasurvey, additional archaeological investigations, and furtherconsultation with the Dharawal People were not undertaken for thisstudy.

1.7 AcknowledgementsThe preparation of this report has involved assistance andconsultation with a large number of people. Thanks to the followingfor insight and guidance:

Client Group (NPWS)Peter Hay - Manager, Royal AreaOriana Senese – A/Park and Recreation Planner, Central DirectoratePatsy Ross - Ranger / Project Officer, Royal AreaJacqueline Sedgewicke - Ranger / Project Officer, Royal AreaRobin Aitken - Heritage Asset Management Programme / ProjectOfficer, Central DirectorateGeoff Kalwy - Senior Field Officer, Royal AreaPhilip Bryant - Senior Field Supervisor, Royal AreaMichael Vader – Regional Works Coordinator, Sydney South RegionCatherine Snelgrove – Historic Heritage Project Officer, CulturalHeritage DivisionBrad Welsh - Aboriginal Sites Officer, Cultural Heritage DivisionMiriam Stacy – Conservation Architect, Cultural Heritage Division

Community Reference GroupJulie Gallan - Department of Education and Training, EnvironmentalEducation Centre (EEC)Pam Melrose - EECCarolin Hadlow - EECJim Cutbush - Sutherland Shire Historic Society (SSHS)Dawn Emerson - SSHSAllen McGrath - SSHSJim Callaway - National Parks Association (NPA)Peter Vaughan - NPAHoward Clark - Sydney Tramway Museum, LoftusMike Fursland - Sutherland Shire CouncilDavid Ingray - La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land CouncilRodney Mason - Dharawal ElderPaul McNeill - Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA)Tom Praseuth - RTAStuart Read - NSW Heritage OfficeMiriam Verbeek - NPWS Sydney South Regional Advisory Committee


Ron Hughes - Audley Boatshed LesseeGeoff Hughes - Audley Boatshed LesseeSteven Davey - Audley Kiosk OperatorCommunity Consultation respondents

Consultant TeamOi Choong – Context Landscape DesignMike Milligan - Context Landscape DesignAlison Chaplin - Context Landscape DesignElke Haege - Context Landscape DesignCraig Burton – CAB ConsultingRichard Simon – StratcorpJudith Rintoul – Conybeare Morrison & PartnersBruce Davies – Bruce Davies and AssociatesJason Rudd – Masson Twinney WilsonPeter Tonkin – 3D DesignProfessor Max IrvineAndrew Morten – Earthscape Horticultural ServicesCarolyn Stone - PPM Consultants


from top:

Plate 10:Early clearing of the bush for new roadsc.1890

Plate 11:Rowboats were used to cross betweenAudley’s Flats on Port Hacking Estuaryc.1890

Plate 12:View to Pavilion Flat from the Boatshedc.1910

Plate13:Audley Weir Poolc.1900

PART II UNDERSTANDING AUDLEY

2.1 Historical Overview

The following information is derived from 1987 Audley ConservationPlan, the minutes/notes of the National Park Trust (1879-1967) andsecondary sources.

2.1.1 Aboriginal Occupation

For approximately 8000 years the Dharawal People have been thetraditional owners of land from Botany Bay to Jervis Bay, a nationthat encompassed the Hacking River and Kangaroo Creek catchmentsthat embody the Audley precinct. At the time of first European contactthe then tidal waters were occupied by the Dharawal People fromBotany Bay and Illawarra clans. Middens and rock shelter siteshave been identifed as an expression of their occupation. TheDharawal retain a close association with the land in the area.

2.1.2 Exploration and Surveys 1788-1878

Limited access to the area and the reported unfavourable conditionof the environment (to European minds) deterred development oflands until the late nineteenth century. Until surveys of Port Hackingwere undertaken by Robert Dixson in 1827 and Lord Audley in 1864,the early uses of this area were hunting, fishing and exploration.Individuals took up land on the fringes of what is now the RoyalNational Park and particularly along the foreshores of Port Hacking.In 1843 village allotments were subdivided at Bottle Forest (nowHeathcote) and a village reserve declared at Wattamolla in 1845.Following the establishment of the main road south of Sydney in1864, further surveys were undertaken in the 1870s to determinepossible railway routes to the Illawarra Region. Land subsequentlyset aside for a railway reserve and adjoining Crown Land betweenthe Main Road and the coast had the potential use of public recreation(not unlike the 1872 dedication of Hampsted Heath for recreationaluse for Londoners).


from top:

Plate 14:1938 View from Pool Flat Road looking west

Plate 15:Former tennis court and site of vegetablegardens and orchard c. 1940

Plate 16:Former bowling green Allambie Flat c. 1940

Plate 17:View from above Currawong Flat c. 1911

2.1.3 Park Trust Management of The National Park 1879 -1890

On the 26th March 1879, the Sydney Morning Herald reported thatthe government would set aside a large tract of land on the southside of Port Hacking for the purposes of acclimatisation of variousspecies to assist the NSW Zoological Society, formed two daysearlier. Formal dedication of the National Park took place on 26 April1879 with eleven park trustees including the NSW Premier, Sir JohnRobertson. The early vision for the park included the conservationof resources to be exploited at some future date as well as theconcept of improving on the natural condition by creating an importedexotic landscape familiar to that found in northern hemisphere. Theintroduction of exotic flora and fauna also met the ideas of theAcclimatisation Society.

The Deed of Grant empowered the trustees to set apart and use thelands for the following uses listed in order of priority:

1. Ornamental plantations, lawns and gardens.2. Zoological gardens.3. Race-course.4. Cricket or any other lawful game.5. Rifle butt or artillary range.6. Exercise or encampment of Military or Naval Forces.7. Bathing Places.8. Any public amusement or purpose which the Governor for thetime being may from time to time by notification in the GovernmentGazette declare to be an amusement or purpose for which the saidNational Park or any portion or portions thereof may be used, (TrustNotes, 1879).


Figure 5:Historic Diagram: 1879 - 1888


from top:

Plate 18:Audley Road cutting through the park. c. 1890

Plate 19:Former cottage, Allambie Slopes. c. 1890

Plate 20:View of Audley Village from Pavilion Flat.c. 1911

This first period of development at Audley is marked by PremierRobertson's dedication of the entire park as a recreation ground andpromoting a policy of converting it into the, ' most attractive place ofholiday resort and healthful recreation in the Southern Hemisphere.'In association with the main camp established at Audley, approaches,recreation flats, buildings were constructed.


from top:

Plate 21:Bridge over overflow at weir. c.1890

Plate 22:Cable crossing Allambie Flat. c.1940

Plate 23:Lady Carrington Road. c.1890

Plate 24:Bridge over Lady Carringon Road. c.1890

2.1.4 Management and Development of Audley 1879-1890

Economically and aesthetically, the forests of the Hacking River Valleywere held in higher regard than the coastal heathland and the trusteesfocused much of their attention in the valley. A main camp wasestablished on high ground overlooking the confluence of the HackingRiver and Kangaroo Creek and named Audley in 1884 to commemorateLord Audley's 1864 survey campsite at the same location. By May1881 the main camp consisted of a two roomed weatherboard Pavilionwith adjacent cottage and earth closet, smithy, stables, cart shed,boathouse, jetty, fenced orchard, an earlier road alignment and anew road connecting to the Bottle Forest by way of the uplandplateau. On the right bank of the Hacking, opposite the confluencewith Kangaroo Creek, a rough road was constructed leading towardsWattamolla.

The Audley Causeway was completed in 1883 with a twofoldpurpose: it provided access to the eastern bank of the former estuaryand functioned as a dam to create a body of freshwater extending4 miles up the Hacking River and 1.25 miles up Kangaroo Creek. Thisallowed for the acclimatisation of freshwater fish including Englishperch and trout in 1884-85 as well as bathing and boating. A newboatshed was built adjacent to the dam on the freshwater side andanother boatshed built with slip rails for boat repairs below the Dockon the saltwater side. Stone retaining walls were constructed onthe tidal estuary to allow steam launch access and a dock for berthing.Three alluvial flats at the confluence were also cleared at this timefor cultivation and grazing uses.

The most extensive clearing occurred on the plateau referred to inthe Trust minutes as the "tableland" now known as Loftus Heights.Here, adjacent to the proposed railway platform a large area (80acres) was cleared for recreation and military encampment andreview grounds. This clearing was later increased to 230 acres anda further 1770 acres underscrubbed. The "tableland" of FarnellDowns, was named Loftus Heights in honour of His Excellency theGovernor. Further land was intended to be cleared and onlyornamental plants were saved such as Christmas Bush, Waratahs,Gymea lilies and selected Eucalyptus trees. The clearing ofvegetation was to create a more park-like character as opposed tobushland and was encouraged along the main roads and at Audley.


from top:

Plate 25:Former boatshed adjacent to weir. c.1890

Plate 26:Former boatshed and weir. c.1890


A road from the main camp at Audley to the main Illawarra/Sydneyroad was constructed between 1880 and 1883 as well as a roadrunning over the Audley causeway and along the right bank of theHacking River to the southern boundary of the park. This road wasopened in 1886 by Lady Carrington and was identified as LadyCarrington Road (later Drive).

The Illawarra railway line was begun in 1882 and by 1885 excursiontrains brought visitors to the park via Sutherland. By 1886 visitorswere able to arrive at the National Park Station at Loftus Heights.During 1884-5 in anticipation of the extension of the railway line toLoftus Heights a serpentine walk was constructed from the intendedstation to the salt water estuary ('the Zig-Zag' track) as well as anew road from the intended railway station crossing to the mainIllawarra road.

During 1889-90 a walking track was made along the left bank of theHacking River from near the dam to the northern boundary, at thistime just up from the training walls. This later became known asRiverside Drive. During 1890, river flats on both right and left banksabove and below the dam were grassed, and the recreation groundopposite the boatshed reclaimed and improved for picnic parties.

from top:

Plate 27: (this page)View from ‘The Rest’ to Audley Weir Pool.c.1890

Plate 28:New Audley Road. c.1900

Plate 29:Causeway Lady Carrington Drive. 1890

Plate 30:National Park Station. 1900

Plate 31:Trustees Cottage and Boatshed and “TheRest”. c.1910



This period marks the beginning of Audley as a popular destinationplace within the larger park, following the death of Sir Robertson in1891.

The Publ ic Pavi l ion was extended to provide addit ionalaccommodation for visitors as well as stone retaining wallssupporting grassed areas.

In 1891 a rustic bridge was erected across Kangaroo Creek and aroad extended around to an aviary above the left bank of the Hackingat the foot of Robertson’s Knoll, then known as Robertson’s Grove.Kookaburra Flat, Fig Tree Flat and Kangaroo Flat were also cleared,cultivated, grassed and fenced. The salt water estuary was dredgedto allow access for large pleasure boats and steam launches. A pilejetty was erected at Want's beach (formerly Little Manly and nowReid's Flat) and one on the fresh water for boating parties.

During 1892, on Loftus Heights a further 200 acres were scrubbedand cleared and a new road was made to Audley to avoid steep anddangerous grades.

Plants received from the Sydney Botanic Gardens and the ForestryDepartment were planted throughout the Park and these includedRed Cedars, Moreton Bay Figs, Lilypillys, Mulberrys and Willows.Introduced tree species at Audley up to 1893 also included Poplars,Jacarandas, Bunya Pines Bunyas and Monterey Pines.

The water pump and reservoir system replaced the windmill pumpwhich was relocated to the aviary. In 1894 a boiler and enginepumped water to elevated tanks to the Audley village to meet theneeds of the public pavilion which was constantly under renovation.A verandah was added in 1896 and enlarged in 1898 and 1900,together with additional bathrooms. The old Stables were removedand new ones erected together with a carpenter's and blacksmith'sshop upslope during 1894. A verandah was added to the new stablebuilding in 1898.

from top: (this page)

Plate 32:Kangaroo Creek Bridge to Allambie Flat 1911

Plate 33:Varney Bridge to Currawong Flat 1911


Plate 34:View of Audley “Village” Public Pavilion fromPavilion Flat c. 1890

Plate 35:Audley ‘Village’ and Allambie House 1912


In 1897 an area of 7 acres was cleared, fenced and planted with400 fruit trees of different varieties. The Trust minutes did not specifythe location of this orchard but it is assumed to be within the AllambiePrecinct.

During 1898 a concrete pond was made for aquatic birds and therelocated windmill was erected on Currawong Flat to supply water.The flats were planted with buffalo grass at this time.

The Commonwealth Pavilion was erected at Bradley's Flat (nowIronbark Flat) capable of seating 1000 persons with a turfed bankforming a terrace on three sides and shade trees planted.

1902-3 saw the introduction of a regular steam ferry on the saltwaterestuary and the provision of a wharf built near to the dam. Thelaunches coordinated with the arrival of trains to the National Parkstation and a new pathway was formed from the station to Audley,which later became known as the Honeymoon Track.

from top:

Plate 36:Former Stables, Audley Village. 1890

Plate 37:Relocated windmill on Currawong Flat. 1890

Plate 38:Junction of River and Creek, Audley WeirPool. 1900

Plate 39:Former Boatshed and Weir. c.1890

Plate 40:View of Hacking Saltwater Estuary fromAllambie Ridge. c.1890


By 1904, all the established picnic areas contained shelter sheds,water tanks and seating. Shelter sheds were also placed near tothe National Park Station. During 1904-6 a boatshed for twenty boatswas erected at Reid's Flat for privately owned boats. A new jettynear the accommodation house ( Public Pavilion) was built on AudleyPool. On Loftus Heights an avenue plantation from Sutherland toLoftus was implemented and called Rawson Avenue to create animposing approach to Audley. Sir Harry Rawson planted severalNorfolk Island pines at Loftus.

In 1908, to overcome vandalism of the indigenous flora the trustproposed to construct display areas along the Audley Road to placetransplanted species. Also in 1908, a road from Audley Dam to Reid'sFlat replaced the walking track, a shark proof swimming area wascreated below the dam, and the ground around the Trustee's Cottagewas grassed and made accessible to the public.

A cricket and football ground was created close to Loftus RailwayStation and defined by picket fencing and tree planting. Furtheravenue plantations were made along the rail line (900 trees) and theroad between Loftus and National Park stations (1200 trees).

from top:

Plate 41:Bus Training Area and Waiting Shed Adjacentto National Park Station 1900

Plate 42:Trustee’s Cottage 1890

Plate 43:Former Trustee’s Cottage Allambie slopes1890

Plate 44:Trustee’s Cottage and Audley Vi l lage(Allambie Flat and Allambie Ridge). 1890

Plate 45: (left)Boatshed, Trustee’s Cottage and AudleyVillage. 1890


from top:

Plate 46:View of Allambie House from Pavilion Flat1938

Plate 47:Allambie House Viewed from Pavilion Flat 1938

Plate 48:1947 Aerial Photo


The World War I years were relatively quiet for the Trust. Theyinitiated a bus service between Audley and the National Park Stationas a form of compensation for lack of government support for theextension of the railway to Audley.

Visitation levels had not decreased and the Trust pushed for fundsto rebuild the Public Pavilion accommodation facility. During 1915-1916, a motor garage, laundry, new stables, Trustee’s boatshedand cow shed were constructed and the road from the stables tothe dam was widened.


from top:

Plate 49:View of “The Rest” from Currawong Flat.c.1910

Plate 50:View along Kangaroo Creek to Pavilion Flat.c.1910

Plate 51:1940 Aviary Located on Edge of Pavilion Flat

Plate 52:(left)Boatshed c. 1938

A new accommodation facility was constructed during 1918-19 onthe campsite and was known as "The Rest" and later as "AllambieHouse." A change of approach towards a Conservation ethic isevident in the Trust Chairman's comments in the 1920 Annual Report,'...the visiting public are now more considerate, and realise that theNational Park is not only a playground, but a sanctuary where thebirds, animals, and native flora are worth protecting... '.

In 1931 the Rawson Avenue tree plantation was replanted withIllawarra Flame trees as many of the original trees were dead ordecaying and it was recommended to remove all of the Montereypines as they were out of place in an Australian National Park.

During 1934-35 part of the road surface at Audley was tar paved toreduce dust and the Honeymoon track was constructed.

In 1936 a new bridge was built over the Hacking River and a newroad opened on the left side of the river leading to Kookaburra Flat(now commonly known as Wattle Forest) where a rustic pavilion toseat 80 people had been completed. The exotic plantations alongFarnell Avenue were replaced by a double row of red floweringgums and extensive rock gardens.

A new boatshed containing 200 boats was built in 1938 followingthe removal of the old boatshed. In the same year swampy areaswere reclaimed for picnic flats and a new flat (now known as PoolFlat) opened below the dam and a kiosk opened on the picnic flats.


from top:

Plate 53:View to Allambie Flat and Audley Village overKangaroo Creek. c.1900s

Plate 54:Allambie House Forecourt and Garage.c.1940s

Plate 55:Pavilion Flat. c.1940s

Plate 56:View from Winfred Falls Track over PavilionFlat. c.1940s

By 1940 the roads had been tarred and this helped reduce dust.Extensive rockeries were constructed on the approaches to theboatshed and below Allambie House. Allambie Flat was dedicated tosporting facilities in the form of three tennis courts, a bowling greenand a putting green. A large aviary was erected at Pavilion Flat andit contained a wide collection of Australian birds.

The Military again occupied the park during World War II and set upa camp at Loftus. Allambie House had its kitchens updated in theevent of using the building as a hospital during the war.

During 1940-1 a new stone toilet block was built and a new shop atAllambie House. In 1942 two bridges were constructed: one acrossKangaroo Creek and another one across the estuary below thedam. The second bridge allowed for a shark proof net to be installedand temporary Dressing Sheds and Showers were established atPool Flat. During 1943 all of the bridges on the Hacking River wereswept away by floodwaters. The bridges were rebuilt in1944 andtoilet blocks built from concrete blocks made on site were erected atReid's and Pool Flats. In 1945-46, new Dressing sheds, Dining Roomand Shop were constructed at Pavilion Flat and the freshwaterbody was dredged. In the following years a Kiosk and a new ferrywharf at Pool Flat, and a two-storey pavilion was built at the PicnicFlats (Pavilion Flat) with the intention of a shop facility on the groundfloor and a Restaurant and social hall on the upper floor. This wasthe origin of the current Dance Hall. More picnic ground was madeavailable by the relocation of the camps at Reid's Flat to a moresuitable site at Riverside Flat further down the estuary.


from top:

Plate 57:View west of Pavilion Flat from Above.c.1940s


This period of development reflects the post war condition up to achange in name for the National Park. With J.J. Cahill MLA as Chairmanof the Trust as well as Premier of NSW, the annual governmentgrants improved on those of previous years.

The extension of the mains water supply through Audley in 1950 ledto a new causeway being constructed, with mutual design benefitsof easy access to the pipeline (if maintenance was required) andsafer pedestrian access by a raised section of path that sat atop ofthe pipeline.


2.1.8 Park Trust Management of the Royal National Park1955 -1966

In 1955 the National Park became the Royal National Park as a resultof Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, passing by on a journey toWollongong in 1954.

A children's playground was purchased in 1955 for Reid's Flatfollowing the rebuilding of a shelter at the flat. In 1956 a new officebuilding was erected at Audley. A Nursery was also established forthe propagation of native flora. In 1958 the land between RawsonAvenue and the railway line was cleared and levelled in preparationfor planting of trees and shrubs, and in 1959 the old Stables weredemolished.

1959 was also the year that the Hon J.J.Cahill MLA. died suddenly.In 1962, a new shelter shed and toilet block were erected at WillowTree Flat and its surface was raised by 600mm and regrassed. Thiswas a response to the impact of vehicular traffic wearing out boththe road and Flat surfaces and the cumulative effect of flooding.Concrete retaining walls below the bus waiting shed at Dock Flatwere constructed in an attempt to avoid flood damage.

In this period boat building was a prominent activity at Audleyparticularly the construction of clinker boats, canoes and launches.

In 1962 extensive repairs were also carried out on the CommonwealthPavilion due to extensive dry rot. Repairs were carried out on thenew Varney Bridge leading to Kookaburra Flat. In the same year,two new cottages were built, one for the Superintendent near theRoyal National Park Railway Station and one for the AssistantSuperintendent on the site of the former Superintendent's Cottageon the slopes half way between the Station and Audley. AllambieHouse was also repaired and repainted. During 1962 septic tankswere installed in all cottages occupied by trust employees.

In 1965 following bushfires a strip of burnt out undergrowth parallelto Farnell Avenue was grassed and lined with Brush Box and SilkyOaks to create an "attractive" entrance to the park. Also, in the sameyear it was proposed to construct a chair lift from Allambie Heightspresumably to the National Park Station. Reid's Flat was extended byfill created from sand dredged and reclaimed from an old oysterlease. A new parking area was created off Artillery Hill Road (nowSir Bertram Stevens Drive). In 1964, additions were made to theoffice block at Audley.


2.1.9 National Parks & Wildlife Service Management ofRoyal National Park 1967 - present

On 23 November 1967 a Ministerial proposal was tabled beforeParliament for 'the vesting of the care, control and management ofthe Royal National Park in the Director of the National Parks andWildlife'.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service was established with ChuckWilder from the US National Parks Service as its first Director. TheTrust thereby was divested of executive responsibility and becamean advisory committee. The Service emphasised nature conservationissues over recreation in terms of management of the park.

In the early years of the new administration many buildings wereremoved: Allambie House which was suffering white ant damageswas removed by fire in 1975. A new kiosk was built in 1978 withnative Australian plantings, not necessarily indigenous, reflectingthe popular interest in national identity at that time.

In preparation for the centenary of Royal National Park, a new buildingto house Staff headquarters and a Visitor Centre was designed byLeonard Morgan and Bruce Eales in 1978 and completed in 1981. Itis located in Audley Heights, on the edge of the plateau between theRailway Station and the start of the Honeymoon Track. This dispersedsome of the activity concentrated at Audley, but visitor numbersremained high.

From top:

Plate 58:Edge at Kookaburra Flat, 1987

Plate 59:Dock Flat retaining wall, 1987

Plate 60:Commonwealth Pavilion, 1987


In 1986-7 a Conservation Plan was commissioned for the Audleyarea. The recommendations of this report were partly executed,including the removal of exotic vegetation that were consideredweeds such as self-sown Camphor Laurel trees throughout theAudley area.

Further work was carried out at Audley in 1988 when the NSWDepartment of Public Works (now Department of Commerce)Landscape Group designed and implemented new works. Theseincluded the extension of car parking areas, the provision of timberwharves fronting the freshwater pond and some edge treatment ofrip-rap sandstone blocks to prevent erosion of the Flats' edgesduring floods.

Since the 1980s, large parts of Royal National Park have beeneffected by major fires. The Draft Fire Management Plan for RoyalNational Heathcote National Parks and Garrawarra State RecreationArea states that, 'From 1965/66 to 1997/1998, there has been a firewithin Royal National Park every fire season. Major fires, in which50 percent or more of the park was burnt, occurred in the 1968/69,1988/89 and 1993/94 fire seasons. The 1994 fire affected 95.7percent of the park, (NSW NPWS, 2002, Draft Fire ManagementPlan, p. 37) including the slopes adjacent to the Audley precinct.Severe fires also occurred in 2001, effecting a large portion of thepark. The south end of Lady Carrington Drive is one of the fewareas in the park unaffected by fire.

During 1998 efforts towards environmental restoration of theindigenous vegetation community, the Sydney Sandstone River FlatForest, were implemented at Ironbark Flat. The work included theimportation of fill and sandstone boulders as well as mass plantingsof indigenous native plants.

In 2003, the National Parks and Wildlife Service instigated thisintegrated study of Conservation Management Plan and a Masterplanfor Audley and its associated approaches. This appears to the firsttime that such an integrated approach has been taken to consider abalance of conservation of natural and cultural values.

from top:

Plate 61:Fig Tree Flat, 1987

Plate 62:View of Allambie Flat from site of KangarooCreek Bridge abutment on Currawong Slopes

Plate 63:Audley Weir Pool, 1987

Plate 64:View of Boatshed from Pavilion Flat, 1987


2.2 Physical Assessment

Audley consists of both natural and cultural elements influenced bygeological formation, fire and flood regimes, human occupation andpatterns of land use. Audley is primarily located on the river flatsand adjacent lower slopes, and the associated approaches by road,rail, walking tracks and water have been integral to its development.


Figure 11:Physical Qualities of Audley


Figure 12:Physical: Landform


Figure 13:Physical: Structures, Views and Links


2.2.1 Natural Environment

Geology, Soils and VegetationAs with Royal Nation Park in general the Hawksbury Sandstonegeological formation dominates Audley. Exceptions to this are theinfluences of the Wianamatta Group of shales (that overlieHawkesbury Sandstone) at Loftus Heights and Bottle Forest, andthe Narrabeen Group of Shales that are exposed beneath theHawkesbury Sandstone in the south of the park and where theHacking River has dissected through the sandstone layers. At Audleythe tidal and fluvial processes have deposited both sandstone andshale derived alluvium on the valley floor.

Soils derived from Hawkesbury Sandstone are of an essentiallyinorganic nature and of a skeletal structure, producing very shallowand infertile soils that support variations of health, scrub, lowwoodland and forest vegetation communities. Where interbeddedlenses of siltstone and claystone occur there are some localvariations in structure, soil depth, and organic composition.

Soils derived from Narrabeen shales are relatively fertile, friableand deep, and consequently support taller forest communities.

Prior to the establishment of the park, the vegetation at Audley wasmost likely a riparian fringe of Swamp Oaks (Casuarina glauca) anda terrestrial complex of Woolybutt (Eucalyptus longifolia), Bangalay(Eucalyptus botryoides) and Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis).

Today, remnant assemblages of these species continue to grow onthe riverflats amidst ornamental trees and pasture grasses andmanaged as recreational open space.

Sandstone woodland is found on the ridgetops and slopes withstands of Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma x racemosa) andRed Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera) with a variable understoreyof Wattles (Acacia spp.), Gymea Lily (Doryanthes excelsa), Hopbush(Dodonaea triquetra) and Needle Bush (Hakea spp.)

Grey Ironbarks (Eucalyptus paniculata) and Red Bloodwood(Corymbia gummifera) are also found on the slopes. Grey Ironbark(Eucalyptus paniculata), Turpentine (Syncarpia glommulifera) andCoachwood (Ceratopetalum apetalum) are present on the alluvialsoils derived from weathered Narrabeen shale of the upper HackingRiver.

from top:

Plate 65:View West from Allambie Flat over KangarooCreek Section of Audley Weir Pool

Figure 14: (next page)Natural: Elements


Figure 15:Natural: Aspect


The construction of a weir in 1883 to create a freshwater bodyupstream greatly modified the Hacking River estuary, mainly bydepriving the alluvial flats of the formative tidal influence, and resultedin both flooding and increased siltation in the resultant pond. Siltationhas increased relative to increased urbanization of the Upper Hackingcatchment. The soils of the Audley flats have an underlying structureof alluvium and sand, but have been enriched with fill over the yearsfrom river dredging activities. The associated clearing anddevelopment for recreation and settlement also altered both thestructure and floristic species composition of many of the vegetationcommunities, resulting in a cultural landscape, discussed below in2.2.4.

Bird LifeAudley is promoted as a valuable birdwatching location by StevenAnyon-Smith as one of several sources.

“Audley is a popular and valued birdwatching location due tothe variety and complex mix of riparian, estuarine, tall forestand open forest habitats. Slight ecological variations betweenthe picnic flats and bushland leading off from each provide manyand varied opportunities for Audley visitors to view the diversityof fauna (Anyon-Smith, 2001, pp. 32-37)”.

WaterbirdsFreshwater habitat within Audley supports a wide range of waterbirds,including:

Black BitternLittle BitternPacific Black DuckDusky MoorhenBuff-banded railsSpotted CrakesLewins RailsAzure KingfisherAustralasian GrebeChestnut TealGrey TealManed (Wood) DuckSwamp HenEurasian Coot

Kangaroo Flat is noted by several sources as a very important breedingand feeding ground for a large number of waterbirds, as listed above,noting especially the Little Bittern as potentially threatened by anyproposal to open this area up as recreational picnic space. (NationalParks Association 2004 submission, Environmental Education Centre2004 submission).


Riverbanks in this area specifically, but throughout Audley generally,where a fringe of reeds and other waterplants afford protection foryoung waterbirds will be treated as special habitat in future upgradesof visitor facilities in the precinct.

Estuarine and Sea BirdsEstuarine and ocean-going seabirds that eat, rest and patrol in andaround Audley Weir, Pool Flat, Reids Flat and Riverside Drive have beennoted to include:

Silver GullBlack CormorantLittle Black CormorantPied CormorantSooty OystercatcherAustralian PelicanWhite-breasted Sea EagleMangrove (Striated) HeronLittle ShearwaterOspreyBroad-billed SandpiperPainted SnipeAustralian DarterMasked Lapwing (Masked Plover)

Terrestrial BirdsBirds of the wet forests of the upper Hacking valley and from theadjoining drier slopes converge in Audley to feed, breed and socialise.Species richness is reflected by the following sitings in the Audleyslopes and forested areas:

KookaburraSulphur-crested CockatooSatin Bower BirdSuperb LyrebirdEastern RosellaCrimson RosellaGreen CatbirdBrown PigeonWonga PigeonFairy WrenRed Wattle BirdPowerful Owl (Vulnerable)Grey GoshawkKing ParrotEmerald DoveTopknot PigeonOlive-backed OrioleYellow Throated ScrubwrenDollarbird


Mammal Life“The Atlas of NSW Wildlife contains information for individual reservesbut not for distinct areas within the reserves. Data from NPWS staffand from Atlas records indicate that Audley contains the followingspecies and/or habitat for:

Swamp WallabyBrushtail PossumRingtail PossumEastern Pygmy PossumKoala (Rare)Sugar GliderShort-beaked EchidnaBandicootBrown AntechinusBush RatGrey-Headed Flying FoxCommon Bentwing BatLarge Footed Myotis (bat)

ReptilesWithin Audley reptiles venture to clean up after busy picnic days and topatrol their traditional territories. Quieter creeklines and damp seepagepoints where frogs and invertebrates roam are also prime habitat forlizards and snakes. Rocky ridgetops within the study area have habitatfor the more secluded species. Herpetologist Ken Griffiths informedthe following listing of likely species within the precinct:

Lace MonitorDiamond PythonRed-bellied Black SnakeMarsh Snake (uncommon)Broad-headed Snake (ridgetops)Eastern Water DragonEastern Water SkinkSmall-eyed SnakeCommon Tree SnakeHeath MonitorTiger Snake (Lady Carrington Dr)Brown Snake (woodland)Long-necked TortoiseShort-necked Tortoise (non-indigenous)Delicate Garden SkinkWeasel Skink (rainforets of Lady Carrington Dr)Barred-sided Skink (arboreal water-skink)

FrogsThe reedy fringes of the freshwater zone and the numerous seepageand creek lines entering within the Audley precinct create habitat forfrogs and tadpoles. The following listing has been subsetted from theWildlife Atlas records by field verification by herpetologist Ken Griffiths(pers comm 2004) for the Audley locality:

Perons Tree FrogLeaf Green Tree Frog (Lomandra Tree Frog)Leseurs Tree Frog (reedy edges)Eastern Froglet (rainsoaks along Lady Carrington Dr)Red crowned Toadlet (uncommon)


InvertebratesThe largest taxanomic group of fauna, and the most forgotten, are theinvertebrates. They not only epitomise and reflect biodiversity in theirown right but also form the ecological foundation to support higherorder creatures, whether they be other invertebrate (e.g spider),amphibian, fish, reptile, bird or mammal. NPWS Biodiversity surveysconducted in 1999 and 2001, together with school class activitiesundertaken under EEC or Discovery supervision the followinginvertibrates or their habitat have been detected (Gallan and Robertsonpers comm 2004):

Spiders (Mites)Leeches (Bloodworm)Soil Fauna (Worms and Larval stages)Wingless Insects (Silverfish, Campodea)Aquatic Insects (Water Boatmen, Water Beetle, Water Penny,Water Measurer, Water Mites, Water Scorpion and Water Strider)Caddis Fly, May Fly, Dragon Fly, Damsel FlyTrue Flies (March Fly, Bush Fly, Blow Fly, Mosquito and Midge)Thrips and Lace WingsAnts and TermitesSawfly, Wasps and BeesMoths and Butterflies (and their caterpillars)FleasBugs and Cicada species (Needle Bug)Aphids, Lerps and Leaf-HoppersStick Insects and MantidsGrasshoppers, Locusts and CricketsCockroach (native and introduced)Beetles (Aquatic Tiger Beetle)Crustacea (Freshwater Shrimp)Gastropods (Freshwater Snail)

Fish and the Audley Fishway ProposalAudley weir forms a significant barrier to fish passage by forming thetidal limit of Port Hacking. The site supports a diverse assemblage ofboth estuarine and freshwater fish species, many of which undertakemigration between estuarine and freshwater environments as part oftheir life cycle. A summary of the likely migratory species found withinthe Hacking River system is noted in the Fishway Design Options Reviewby NSW Fisheries as:

Australian Bass Macquaria novamoculeataEstuary Perch Macquaria colonorumFreshwater Mullet Myxus pertardiSea Mullet Mugli cephalusFreshwater Herring Potamolosa richmondiaLong-finned Eel Anguilla reinhardtiiShort-finned Eel Anguilla australisCommon Galaxia Galaxias maculatusStriped Gudgeon Gobiomorphus australisAustralian Smelt Retropinna semoniBullrout Notesthes robustaAustralian Greyling Prototroctes maraena (potentially

extinct from Hacking catchment)


The NSW Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources(DIPNR) have reworked the 1995 proposal to install a ‘fishway’ in AudleyWeir. The success of a ‘rock-ramp fishway’ installed in Theresa ParkWeir near Camden NSW has led to a modified proposal of similar designfor Audley Weir, to be funded and built by 2005.

The fishway will utilise one of two existing concrete culverts throughthe causeway closest to the right bank. It will extend into the weir pooland hug the right bank (adjacent to the existing Triangle or Kiosk carpark). The fishway will be constructed of sandstone boulders andcobbles grouted into a U-shape 4m wide ramp and consist of a seriesof riffle pools each higher than the last. The design will include a restingbay and will be approximately 43m in length at a slope of 1:30.

The inlet to the other existing culvert will be modified to include anautomated weir to regulate the water level and provide optimal flowsfor fish passage. The fishway and automated weir will also increasethe hydraulic capacity to both culverts and should reduce the time thecauseway is closed to traffic.

When viewed at water level or from across the weir pool, the structurewill have low visual impact, with the crest being only 300mm above thenormal pond water level.

The project aims to facilitate continual migration of adult and juvenilefish into the upper reaches of the Hacking and its tributaries, andtherefore restore the natural life cycle stage for those species.

The project also aims to improve local aquatic habitat by increasing fishnumbers and diversity, as well as providing a resource for scientificresearch.

Increased public awareness of aquatic habitat management will alsobe facilitated by interpretative signage and displays located at the siteas an educational tool.

In designing the fishway DIPNR has considered the conservation of thehistoric Audley Weir and associated weir pool that have contributed toboating activities and the cultural significance to the precinct, and hasensured that the frequency of flood events impacting on the causewayare not increased.

During Public Exhibition of the draft of this Masterplan many and variedsupportive submissions were received on issues addressed by thisFishway proposal, design and implementation. e.g reinstatement offish habitat access, flood frequency due to manual stopboardarrangement, associated traffic issues across causeway, suggestionson a new weir design, and interpretative potential of the causewayflats (both left bank and right bank siting opportunities).


Further fine-tuning in design for both the Audley Fishway and accessstructures for pedestrians, cyclists and motorised vehicles will bemade during 2004-5. Public exhibition of detailed designs and Reviewof Environmental Factors will provide further opportunities for communityconsultation and input.

Hacking Catchment Values, Water Qualityand the Audley Sewer ProjectAudley has been one of the on-going and long-term water qualitymonitoring sites in the Royal National Park to assess the possibility ofnatural water sources in the vicinity of key day use and camping sites.Specifically, in the Audley precinct the monitoring sites have beenKangaroo Creek (at Allambie Flat), Hacking River (near Varney Bridge)and Jersey Springs (along Lady Carrington Drive).

Parameters that are regularly measured include dissolved oxygen, foecalcoliforms counts, temperature, pH, and turbidity.

The findings of this monitoring are that all natural waters need to bevariably treated prior to drinking and NPWS pursues the precautionaryprinciple in informing visitors not to drink from any natural watercourse.Drinking water must be carried in to remote sites (including JerseySprings along Lady Carrington Drive).

Hacking River water is particularly poor in quality due to upstreampollution sources in the urbanised upper reaches of Stanwell Tops,Otford and Helensburgh.

Within Audley however Mains Water is on-tap in picnic areas andtoilets and is safe for human consumption.

For many years an integrated catchment management committee forthe Hacking River (on which NPWS, Council, Sydney Water, DIPNR andinterested community representatives sit) has been considering theneed and implementation details of connecting Audley onto the mainsewer line. At present, effluent and sewerage is managed via septicand pump out systems.


Following a wastewater options study in 2002 a detailed design andreview of environmental factors (REF) has been drafted as part of theAudley Sewer Project. This Project has reached tendering stage andwill be implemented over the next 3 years, due for completion in May2006. The proposed development of sewer connections for the precinctwill have a positive effect on the catchment value by decreasing theamount of pollutants potentially entering the natural system of theHacking River.

The beneficial outcomes will be achieved by installing cleaner andmore efficient functioning toilets that can accommodate increased visitornumbers and more effectively dispose of effluent. A passage for pipeswill be directionally drilled underground in a network shown in Appendix N.

Effluent will be pumped via a series of rising mains to the Visitor Centreprecinct via all public and private toilet facilities. It will then gravitatealong Florence Parade to Grays Point where it will enter the SydneyWater mains, where it gets treated by Sydney Water, to AustralianStandards.

FireThe ecology of the Royal National Park is a product of, and susceptibleto periodic burning. The impact of the most recent fires has beenparticularly strong: the 1994 fires affecting 95.7% of the Park andthe December 2001 fire resulting in the evacuation of 1500 peoplefrom the Park on Christmas Day. Fires pose a variety of threatsspecific to the Audley precinct, namely its built and natural heritageas well as its function as a transport node for the park. The January1994 fire destroyed the maintenance depot midway along AudleyRoad, and burnt much of the natural bushland adjoining the picnicflats. Increased sedimentation in the weir pool from flooding eventsafter any fire results from the destablisation of bushland in theHacking and Kangaroo catchments.

The passage of fire across the park and across the Audley precinctimpacts on the access to the township of Bundeena and Maianbar,to the coastal cabin areas, and to other day users within the RoyalNational Park.


Exotic SpeciesAudley has its origins in a scientific effort to 'acclimatise' exoticspecies of flora and fauna to the Australian environment. As a resultand relative to its context within Royal National Park, Audley containsa proportionately large amount of exotic flora and fauna. Many ofthe species introduced are now recognised as ecologicallythreatening to endemic populations, communities or habitat, and aremanaged for their noxious, feral or invasive aspects, or will beinterpreted for their exotic origin. Non-invasive, non-threateningspecies are tolerated but not encouraged further.

Some of the more problematic species to enter the Park and affectthe Audley precinct include: Carp (Cyprinus carpio), Javan RusaDeer (Cervus timorensis), Rabbit, Fox, Brush Box (Lophostemonconfertus), Coral Trees (Erythrina x sykesii) and Camphor Laurel(Cinnamomum camphora).

Other exotic tree species in Audley include Norfolk Island Pine(Araucauria heterophylla), Hoop Pine (Araucauria cunninghamia),Bunya Pine (Araucauria bidwilli), Poplar (Populus deltoids), MoretonBay Fig (Ficus macrophylla), Hill's Fig (Ficus microcarpa var hillii)',Washington Palm (Washingtonia robusta), London Plane Tree(Platanus x hybrida), Weeping willow (Salix babylonica) and variouspines (Pinus spp).

Exotic plants were an important part of Audley in the 19th and 20th

Century, and the contrast and balance between the cultivated landscapeand natural context is an important and essential challenge to parkmanagement in the 21st Century. Plans of management and peststrategies (including bush regeneration) are implemented to reducedeer, fox and other invasive plants and animals throughout the Park,and it is hoped their impact will be evident in Audley to reduce thedeleterious effects of these species on natural regeneration processesand native communities.

Edge EffectsAudley is an isolated cultural landscape situated within a park highlyvalued for its floristic integrity and diversity. The boundaries betweenthe cultural and natural landscapes are blurred rather than distinctat Audley; they are extensive and visual rather than literal or built.This creates a perimeter highly susceptible to the migration of exoticspecies (by wind, water, animal vectors and vehicles) into the naturalareas. Areas particularly vulnerable to this process include theedges between the flats and slopes, the entrance 'nodes' to tracks,especially the heavily used Lady Carrington Drive, the tracks andavenues themselves and the edges between the flats and the water. from top:

Plate 66:Exotic species: Poplus and Cupressus sp.on Allambie Flat, 2003

Plate 67:Exotic species: Ducks in Audley Weir Pool,2003


2.2.2 Aboriginal Heritage

The Study Area forms part of the traditional territory of the DharawalPeople, an area that extends from the La Perouse / Matraville sandsto Moss Vale, including the Shoalhaven and Burragorang valleys(Mason pers comm 2004). Royal National Park falls part way betweenthe northern Illawarra and Botany Bay Dharawal groups.

Both groups were mostly coastal dwellers who made regularexcursions up and down the coast as far north as Port Jackson,and inland to Appin and the Blue Mountains, through the Bulli Passand Georges River uplands (Organ, M., 1990).

Aboriginal heritage has been documented as a component of studiesin the Royal National Park since the 1970s, but most of these are ofthe studies are focused on more coastal locations than Audley (seeGoldstein, W. 1976, Brookes et al 2001). A superficial indifference tothe precinct can be attributed to the rugged landscape of the southcoast limited the Dharawal’s physical movement along the coast andto the hinterland (rather than moving from the coast to inland locations,as groups on the north coast did). As a result, the Dharawal reliedstrongly on the diverse and abundant marine resources in the area(Graham Brookes et al 2001, p.111).

Audley is traditionally regarded as a ‘neutral’ meeting place for Illawarraand La Perouse Dharawal groups, with ‘shared’ ownership values.This apparent indifference to the precinct can be attributed to thiscommon-ground value for the site, as mutually expressed bycontemporary Elders, Local Aboriginal Land Councils (La Perouse andIllawarra LALCs), Kurranulla community and Dharawal Education Centre.

It may be important to note that there are registered Traditional Ownersseparate from the Land Councils and that the LALCs administers andrepresents the traditional owners views, values and site protectionguidelines (Mason pers comm 2004).

Contemporary Dharawal Elders identify their traditional lands throughtheir family connections:· Rodney Mason and Shayne Williams identify as Dharawal spokesmen.. Iris Williams and Gloria Ardler identify as Dharawal from the Illawarra,

Georges River and Gandangarra People respectively.. Beryl Beller Timbery also identifies as Dharawal, but is geographically

and directly akin to Illawarra and Georges River Elders.· Both Beryl and Rodney value Audley for its fishing tradition in their

families.· Marjorie Timbery has recounted her memories dating back to 1930s

of the frequent movements of her fishing family from Jervis Bay toLa Perouse (Brooke et al 2001).

· Lastly, one of the Sydney South Regional Advisory Groupmembers for NPWS, Glenda Chalker, is from the CooridjahDharawal group, with family connections that link the coastalDharawal to the Southern Highland groups.

from top:

Plate 68:Rock engravings from the Sydney precinct(Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW).

Plate 69:Diagram of rock engravings from the Sydneyprecinct(John F Mann, Notes on the Aboriginies of Australia,Geographical Society of Australasia Proceedings, 1883-4, Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW).

Plate 70:Lithograph showing Aboriginal methods ofpunishment.(Montague Scott; ‘Customs of Aboriginals in NSW - Pun-ishment’ Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW)


From Audley the traditional travel routes to Illawarra were either via thewestern ridgeline behind Robertson’s Knoll, ‘Gurrumboola Heights’(Uloola Ridge) to Waterfall, Helensburgh and beyond, or the easternridgeline of Black Gin Ridge reached from Artillery Hill, Wises Track,Garie Trig, through to Stanwell Tops and Bulli Pass (Mason, pers comm2004)

The rugged landscape of the south coast escarpments may have poseda challenge to the mobility of the Dharawal into inland parts (as Brookeset al suggest), but it is more likely that they had no need to go inland dueto the richness of the coastal flats and immediate hinterlands. It isevident that they relied strongly on the diverse and abundant marineresources in the area.

The earliest dated occupation sites within Royal National Park, atCurracurrang, indicate that Dharawal People have occupied the areafor 7500 years (Mulvaney, 1986). This long occupation and use wasinterrupted by European settlement, which has occupied the area nowfor only eight generations.

The Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System is the currentdatabase of indigenous sites in NSW kept and managed by the NSWNPWS. It contains 51 records of known sites in the Audley andAudley Approaches areas. Half of these are centred on the TemptationCreek and North West Arm catchments of Port Hacking with theremainder (26) found along the Hacking foreshores and slopes fromGrays Point to Robertsons Knoll.

These 26 listed sites consist of rock engraving sites (1), shelterswith art (2), shelter with deposits (2) or shelters with midden material(16), or midden material alone (5). Within Audley, MacDonald Flat,2km downstream of Reids Flat, holds 10 of these records.

Reids Flat holds four, Pool Flat and Bridle Track each hold three,Allambie Ridge holds two, and one each found at Grays Pt top track,Grays Point riverside track, Buttenshaw Ridge (Artillery Hill) andanother foreshore site near the weir (AHIMS, 2004).

A 1936 archaeological reconnaissance of Port Hacking identifiedsignificant sites in the Audley area as “deposits and handmarks” inAllambie Ridge and slopes locations, and many others in the areas ofNorthwest Arm, Southwest Arm, McDonalds Flat, Grays Pt, GooseberryBay (south of Costens Pt) and Fishermen’s Bay (Shellshear et al 1936).


The Allambie Ridge site is also identified and described in detail in the1895 Official Guide to the National Park prepared by the Trustees.Interesting and entirely coincident to the naming of Allambie by theearly Audley Trustees, “allambee” is also a main character in atraditional story about Aboriginal spiritual beliefs and ancestors,which was later re-interpreted by Illawarra Dharawal People asexplaining the European invasion of Australia (the entire text isavailable in Organ, M. 1990).

Within the wider context of registered sites Audley sits within adiversity of Kangaroo Creek (‘ l ima’), Hacking freshwater(‘gurrumboola’) and Hacking estuary (‘deeban’) sites as identifiedby AHIMS database, and elder Rod Mason (pers comm 2004). TheDharawal identify a species of fish they call ‘magadgida’ that linksthe freshwater to the tidal estuary through its life cycle and feedinghabits. An interesting link for Audley Fishway proposal.

Contemporary Elders note that vegetation, not the ‘midden heapsand other site remnants’, is the primary focus of Dharawal traditionalland use. Plants were integral for food, fibre and medicine. All song,dance, ceremony and language attest to their significance. Forpresent and future land management purposes it must be realisedthat the maintenance and protection of vegetation at and aroundsites, and across entire cultural and natural precincts, is crucial.

The precautionary principle, or telling signal for site significance lies inthe conclusion that if an area supports rich natural resources, it will beequally rich and significant culturally.

Site protection can be afforded and attained by planting around a knownlisted site. Interpretation should link several sites together as they wouldbe linked ecologically, and consequently by Dharawal tradition. (Mason,pers comm 2004).

The ongoing association with the land by the Dharawal People isrecognised despite the development of Audley and its approaches,overlying former occupation sites. The interpretative strategy for Audleywill reflect the ‘shared history’ of the precinct. Its prehistory will beentirely honoured as Dharawal, whereas the historic and contemporaryuses and values are shared.


2.2.3 Built Form

The built form of Audley has undergone an evolution from a permanent"Camp" to a village of buildings, fenced yards, walls, roads, gardens,bridges and jetty (around the former camping place) to the establishmentof extensive areas and facilities for public recreation. The “Camp” atAllambie Flat was elevated to Allambie Slopes to gain views over theconfluence of the valleys as well as to avoid potential flooding.

The greatest concentration of pre-1900 built form is in the Allambie andReid's Flats’ precincts. Access over the waterways was provided bya sandstone weir and timber bridges. The force of regular floodingnecessitated the constant rebuilding and alteration of the weir structureas well as the rebuilding of the bridges.

The oldest extant built form appear to be the 1880s cottage within theReid's Slope precinct, the remnant old Audley Road formation threadingdown the spur (now known as the Bridle Track) and the remnantWattamolla Road (now known as the Winifred Falls Track).

Buildings were initially constructed on the natural ground of sandstoneterraces and later located on level platforms created by sandstonewalling. With the clearing of the Loftus Heights and other plateaux formilitary purposes lateritic ironstone was quarried and added to theretaining structures to build up levels. Evindence of this compositefabric can be seen within the Allambie precinct.

By 1885 the Main Camp consisted a cluster of single storey timberoutbuildings and fenced yards servicing a central pavilion structureused as accommodation and dining for the National Park Trustees. Acentral road linked the village with the National Park railway station.Upstream and adjacent to the weir was a boathouse with a privateboathouse further upstream with a jetty attached for use by thetTrustees. A corbel timber bridge spanned the Kangaroo Creek arm ofthe waterbody created by the weir. The bridge linked a secondary roadup to the village and across the water, and terminated near an aviarystructure located at the southern end of Robertson’s Grove (now knownas Currawong Flat). On the right bank of the Hacking River LadyCarrington Road was constructed and its alignment adjusted over manyyears.

In 1885 another single storey cottage existed on the slopes overlookingthe present Pool Flat and adjacent to the freshwater stream enteringthe Hacking River. Documentary evidence suggest that some ephemeralbuildings may have been erected on Pool Flat. Certainly an old jetty isshown on an 1881 survey drawing of that area.

from top:

Plate 71:Site of Lord Audley’s ‘Camp’ on AllambieRidge, 2003

Plate 72:Detail of Lateritic and sandstone wall, 2003

Plate 73:Historic Photo: Timber Bridge in Audley


The building of the Commonwealth Pavilion on the old “horse paddock”(later “Bradley’s Flat”, now known as “Pavilion Flat”) changed the scaleof the built form at Audley.

The Trustees accommodation was a single storey cottage referred toas the Trustee's Cottage. It was sited high above the road with excellentviews over the Audley Weir Pool and it also grew by gradual extensionuntil its demise (in the 1950’s).

The Main Camp Pavilion was extended for public accommodation andbecame known then as the “Public Pavilion”, then extended again andnamed “The Rest” then again extended and re-named “Allambie House”.Allambie House was burnt down in the 1970’s as it had insurmountablestructural damage from white ants and Park management could notjustify the cost of repairs.

With the establishment of Audley as a prime recreation area with road,rail and water access and public accommodation facilities, muchredevelopment occurred in the inter-war period, including the fullexploitation of the Allambie House site as a hotel with its form respondingto the physical constraints of Allambie Ridge. Motor garages replacedthe former stables on the same site.

The Long Boathouse was constructed in 1938 and soon after thereinforced concrete retaining walls replaced the earlier preference forsandstone.

Loftus Heights was developed separately to Audley but provided avital lifeline in the form of roads, railway line, railway station, bus depotand walking tracks to service Audley and the rest of Royal NationalPark. It is now the location of the Park Headquarters, now known asSouth Sydney Regional Office, Royal Area and Visitor Centre. It is nowthe locatoion of the NPWS Sydney South Regional Office, Royal AreaOffice, Royal Visitors Centre and the Department of Education andTraining’s Environmental Education Centre.

In the post war period of the 20th century a more rustic approach wastaken to the built form at Audley. This is evident in the construction ofthe two-storey Dance Hall and Kiosk facility (1947) and the earlier(1939) aviary structure located adjacent to the Dance Hall abutting anatural sandstone outcrop at the lower level and ultimately (1940) arock faced stone and concrete roofed toilet block. Its expression wasvery rustic with the main support columns simulating natural treescomplete with branching patterns set on a base of concrete and bushrocks. Only the toilet block remains.

from top:


Plate 75:The Boathouse at Audley, 2003

Plate 76:Historic Photo: Allambie House on the site ofthe ‘Camp’.

Plate 77:Dance Hall and Kiosk facility, 2003


The fabric of many cottages throughout the study area appear to havechanged in this period, but have retained their 19th Century scale.

The introduction of concrete was conspicuous in the study area duringthe post war period. This includes the construction of a new weircauseway in 1951 and the toilet blocks, change rooms and kiosks builtof concrete block construction on the picnic flats. Shelter pavilionswere also constructed in this period, notably at Willow Tree Flat andKookaburra Flat (Wattle Forest). Despite minor alterations these buildingsare extant.

Late 20th Century buildings are represented by various toilet blocks(1975), the Park Headquarters and Visitor Centre and the Kiosk atPavilion Flat. The Kiosk is part of a much larger building proposal asdesigned c. 1975-78.

Timber wharves were built on the edges of the Audley Weir Pool in thelate 1980s and the stone toilet block at Pavilion Flat roofed over with agable roof in an attempt to harmonise with the other adjacent structures.

In 1993 the Varney Bridge linking Pavilion Flat with Currawong Flat wasreconstructed.

from top:

Plate 78:Audley Weir, 2003

Plate 79:Timber Wharf structure, 2003

Plate 80:The Varney Bridge connecting Currawong Flat,2003

Plate 81:Shelter Pavilion on Willow Tree Flat, 2003


WallsThe following images show the different wall types, from differentperiods, in and around Audley.

from top:

Plate 82 to 86:Audley wall detail, 2003.


from top:

Plate 87 to 91:Audley wall detail, 2003.


BuildingsThe following buildings are extant within the study area;

A. AUDLEY APPROACHESB1 Gardener’s Cottage complex (1915)B2 National Park Railway Station (1886)B3 Royal National Park Headquarters and Visitor’s Centre (1978-9)B4 Education demountableB5 Former Superintendent’s residence

B. AUDLEYALR - Allambie RidgeB1 Cottage (1886 +1891 Post Office) and GarageB2 Former Trust Office (1956)B6 Toilet Block (1934)B7 Toilet Block (1934)

ALF - Allambie FlatB1 Boatshed (1938)B2 Toilet Block (1963)

PAF - Pavilion FlatB1 Commonwealth Pavilion (1901)B2 Former Dance Hall and Kiosk (1948)B3 Toilet Block (1941 +)B4 Kiosk (1980)

RAS - Ranger’s SlopeB1 Rangers Cottage (1907-8)

CUF - Currrawong FlatB1 Toilet Block (1975 +)

WTF - Willow Tree FlatB1 Toilet Block (1975 +)B2 Shelter Pavilion (1959)

KOF - Kookaburra FlatB1 Shelter Pavilion (1958)B2 Toilet Block (1975 +)

REF - Reid’s FlatB1 Cottage (1884)B2 Toilet Block (1944 +)

POF - Pool FlatB1 Toilet Block (1944 +)


A . AUDLEY APPROACHESB1 Gardener’s Cottage complex consists a fenced compound with acottage and three corrugated iron sheds all in a neglected condition.The cottage is a brick walled and tiled hipped roof with projectingasymmetrical gable consistent with the influence of the FederationPeriod. The sheds comprise two small out house buildings and onelarge shed formerly used as a garage for buses used for conveyingpeople from the National Park Station to Audley. Exotic trees andcleared ground with evidence of former gardens define the sitetogether with a chain mesh fence. The site is the location of anearlier store and coaching accommodation associated with theestablishment of the National Park Station.

B2 National Park Railway Station (1886)Railway platform with formerly brick superstructure now demolishedand replaced with steel shelter structure.

B3 Royal National Park Headquarters and Visitor’s Centre (1979)Designed by Leonard Morgan and Bruce Eeles then NPWS staffarchitects as a centre for the whole of Royal National Park. Steel,part brick and concrete block structure with glazed infill andcorrugated iron roof sited at the edge of the plateau to borrowviews over the Park generally and into the upper reaches of PortHacking. Associated with access roads and carparking areastogether with demountable classrooms complex used for educationalpurposes and as a Field Study Centre.

from top:

Plate 92:Gardener’s Cottage Complex, former garage,2003

Plate 93:Gardener’s Cottage, brick walled and tiledhipped roof, 2003.

Plate 94:B3 Royal National Park Headquarters andVisitor’s Centre (1979)

Plate 95:B2 National Park Railway Station (1886).Photo, 2003.


B4 Education demountable classrooms and office. Grouping ofdemountable buildings set in heavily planted area yet visible fromthe Audley Road

B5 Residence (1962) built as the then new Superintendent’sresidence. Brick and tile building set in cleared open ground andgrassed with low sandstone retaining wall.

B6 Former Superintendent’s residence (1962)Brick and tiled single storey building and garage built on the site of alate nineteenth century building used as the former Superintendent’scottage and used from 1962 as the Assistant Superintendent’sresidence.

from top:

Plate 96:B4 Education demountable classrooms andoffice. Photo, 2003.

Plate 97:B5 (1962) Former Superintendent’s Resi-dence, 2003

Plate 98:B6 (1962) Former Superintendent’sResidence, 2003


from top:

Plate 99:B1 Cottage (1886 +1891 Post Office) andGarage. View from road, 2003

Plate 100:B2 Former Trust Office (1956)

Plate 101:B6 Toilet Block (1934). Photo, 2003.

B. AUDLEY

ALRB1 Cottage (1886 +1891 Post Office) and GarageThe site is defined by a chain mesh fence containing a single storeypainted weatherboard cottage with corrugated iron roof, rear skillionbathroom and partly enclosed veranda apparently adapted as theformer Audley Post Office from 1891. The building dates from theearliest phase of the Park’s development along with the cottage atReid’s Flat. Located in a garden setting as part of the former AudleyVillage complex.

B2 Former Trust Office (1956)A single storey gable roofed building of stained verticalweatherboards, painted timber joinery and cement tile roofing. Thedesign was by R. Harding, Honorary Architect to the National ParkTrust and was built to act as a site office for the Trust and it overlooks the site of the former Trustee’s Cottage and the former AllambieGuesthouse. The landform between the building and the Post OfficeCottage has been modified with the construction of a series of stoneretaining walls, grassing and plantings. The southern side hasextensive views over the Audley area. Needs conservation, repairand maintenance works.

B6 Toilet Block (1934)B7 Toilet Block (1934)A pair of painted brick structures with corrugated iron hipped roofssited above the flood zone and overlooking Dock Flat. Good condition.


ALFB1 Boatshed (1938)The boatshed commemorates the sesqui centenary of Europeansettlement in eastern Australia. It is the last of three previousboatsheds built in the locality on the freshwater pond side of theweir and two on the saltwater side. It is the longest to be built atAudley as a simple single storey timber structure with a hipped tiledroof form. Its length echoes that of the scale of the CommonwealthPavilion on the opposite Flat. Access to the building was by way ofturnstile at the eastern end with an associated office, boat storageand areas for boat building and repairs. The current office andpublic entry point is now located at the western end wherecarparking is available. A ramped part concrete and timber slipwaygives boat access to the freshwater body. Generally good condition.

B2 Toilet Block (1963)Painted concrete block structure with corrugated iron roof.Reasonable condition.

PAFB1 Commonwealth Pavilion (1901 + ongoing repairs)A long open sided building (45750 mm and 12230mm wide) of timberconstruction, boarding and corrugated iron gable roof form. It is amajor built element within the Audley Core area contributes to thecharacter of Audley as a made place for public recreation. Flooringis concrete of varying qualities. The shelter space has been enclosedby the earthworks and planting to the north and the sandstone drainand retaining wall forming the edge of the road alignment to thesouth. Reasonable condition. Some knee braces missing.

B2 Former Dance Hall and Kiosk (1948)A two storey structure of timber, concrete block, concrete postsand asbestos cement with a gable roof and integrated upper levelreturn veranda. The building was designed in the office of theGovernment Architect Cobden Parkes c.1946.Conspicuous building elements are the bush pole columns and theconcrete replacement poles which contribute to the rustic characterof the building.

The building was constructed to provide a Dining room with dancefloor on the upper level and a Kiosk at the lower level although theDining room was never established as such but used for socialfunctions. It was adapted as a Visitor Centre in 1969. Generallyreasonable condition.from top:

Plate 102:B1 Boatshed (1938). Photo, 2003.

Plate 103:B1 Commonwealth Pavilion (1901 + ongoingrepairs). Photo, 2003

Plate 104 and 105:B2 Former Dance Hall and Kiosk (1948).Photo, 2003.


B3 Toilet Block (1941)Built to the design of W.K.Moffat, vice President of the Trust andS.Stringer, the Park manager this sandstone structure has a concreteroof with another pitched and gabled roof built over the top. Thestructure was designed to blend into the natural rock outcrops andas such the Male toilets are located on a lower level than the rest .This has created access issues.

The external walls are built of rock faced sandstone facing the roadand rendered to the remainder and has an assymetriacl plan formwith a strong taper to the eastern end. Reasonable condition.

B4 Kiosk (1980)This timber framed structure with corrugated iron wall sheeting androofs with verandah and stepped deck areas was constructed in1980 as part of an original design for a larger facility at Pavilion Flatdesigned by Leonard Morgan and Bruce Eeles from 1975-1979. It isset within a heavily planted area and access for disabled persons isdifficult. Fair condition.

from top:

Plate 106:B3 Toilet Block (1941). Photo, 2003

Plate 107:B4 Kiosk (1980). Photo, 2003.


RASB1 Rangers Cottage (1907-8)Single storey timber weatherboard and corrugated iron gabled roofbuilding with rear veranda filled in to accommodate laundry andbathroom facilities. Much of the fabric has been replaced at differenttimes however the form of the building retains a Victorian periodscale similar to earlier constructed residences within the Audleyarea despite its Federation period construction date.Reasonable condition. May require conservation works.

CUFB1 Toilet Block (1975 + recent works)Concrete block construction with corrugated iron roof.

WTFB1 Toilet Block (1975 + recent works)Concrete block walls and corrugated iron gable roof with timberlattice to gable ends. sited on slightly raised mound adjacent to LadyCarrington Road.

B2 Shelter Pavilion (1959)Sited centrally to both Willow Tree Flat and Fig Tree Flat this openshelter of painted brick piers supporting a simple gable roof form ofcorrugated iron is built on a raised earth mound

from top:

Plate 108:B1 Rangers Cottage (1907-8). Photo, 2003.

Plate 109:Currawong Flat. B1 Toilet Block (1975 + re-cent works). Photo, 2003.

Plate 110:Willow Tree Flat. B1 Toilet Block (1975 +recent works). Photo, 2003.

Plate 111:Willow Tree Flat. B2 Shelter Pavilion (1959).Photo, 2003.

Plate 112:B1 Rangers Cottage (1907-8). Photo, 2003.


KOFB1 Shelter Pavilion (1958)Simple open gable roof form supported by painted concrete pipes.

B2 Toilet Block (1975 + recent works)Concrete block walls and flat metal roof with painted corrugatediron screen walls set in a heavily planted context to reduce visualimpact.

REFB1 Cottage (1884)Remaining cottage of a pair of residential structures dating to the1883-1890 phase of development of the Park. This single storeycottage is sited on its own terrace with surrounding garden area.The basic Victorian Period form of square plan weatherboard andcorrugated iron roof with brick chimney has had many adaptationsand extensions with a variety of built fabric both externally andinternally.

B2 Toilet Block (1944)Painted concrete block construction imitating rock face stoneworkwith corrugated iron roof.

POFB1 Toilet Block (1944)Painted concrete block construction imitating rock face stoneworkwith concrete tiled roof.

from top:

Plate 113 and 114:Kookaburra Flat. B1 Shelter Pavilion (1958).Photo, 2003.

Plate 115:Kookaburra Flat. B2 Toilet Block (1975 +recent works). Photo, 2003.

Plate 116:Reid’s Flat. B1 Cottage (1884). Photo, 2003.

Plate 117:Reid’s Flat. B2 Toilet Block (1944). Photo,2003.


2.2.4 Cultural Landscape

Audley and its approaches are the result of an evolution of interventionsby non-indigenous people overlying land associated with indigenousoccupation. As such it is a cultural landscape which has evolved fromdifferent land uses rather than the implementation of an overall design.Audley’s landscape character relies on the contrast and balancebetween the development of cultivated areas to provide modern visitorfacilities with the conservation, protection and enhancement of theendemic natural environment.

The Audley Flats have been extended and cleared of indigenousunderstorey vegetation and planted with ornamental and often exoticspecies of grasses, shrubs and trees to form a pleasure ground.Remnants of these reflect the different fashions and approaches tothe design of recreational parkland throughout Audley's evolution fromnatural place to a cultural artefact.

The late 19th Century preference for coniferous trees and rain forestspecies is represented by the remnant plantings of Araucaria spp.,Pinus spp. and Moreton Bay Figs (Ficus macrophylla) extant at LoftusJunction, Gardener's Cottage and Garage, Currawong Flat, Willow Flat,Pavilion Slopes and Pool Flat. Later plantings of deciduous trees suchas Lombardy Poplars (Populus nigra) and Weeping Willows (Salixnigra) are extant at Allambie Flat and Willow Tree Flat.

In the Federation Period further tree planting was undertaken mostly onthe plateau to define the approaches to the Park between Sutherland,Loftus and the National Park Stations. The ornamental planting followedthe alignments of both rail and road. The plantings were a mixture ofPines and Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus) of which some areextant. Many of these trees have been removed systematically to reducetheir invasion of the indigenous bushland.

Extant Inter-War years plantings include Cottonwood Poplars(Populus deltoides ), Washingtonia palms (Washingtonia robusta),Hills Fig (Ficus microcarpa var hillii ), Blackbean (Castanospermumaustrale) and Oleander (Nerium oleander).

In the post war years of the 20th Century further deciduous treeswere added, including London Plane Trees (Platanus x hybrida) andthe Acer species at Ironbark Flat, Allambie Flat and Currawong Flat aswell as Carob (Ceratonia siliqua ) at Currawong Flat. Rock gardenswere built to display native plants however only the partial structure ofthe rockwork remains. Brush Box trees were planted along FarnellAvenue on the plateau in the mid-1960s. Late twentieth century plantingsare represented by the use of indigenous native species in an attemptto restore the remnant riparian forest community. Particularly evidentare the mass plantings of Ironbarks and wattles at Ironbark Flat, whichreflect the indigenous ecology of the alluvial edges, yet completelychange the visual and spatial structure of an established open spacerecreational facility.

from top:

Plate 118:Araucaria on Currawong Flat, 2003

Plate 119:Poplars (Poplus nigra) and Brush Box(Lophostemon confertus) trees (on right),2003

Plate 120:Hills fig (Ficus macrocarpa x ‘hilli’i) and BlackBean (Castanospermum australe) trees, 2003

Plate 121:Poplar (Poplus deltoides) and London Plane(Platanus x hybrida) on Pavilion Flat, 2003


2.2.5 Historical Archaeology

An historical archaeological survey undertaken for the 1987 AudleyConservation Plan found a number of sites, and a high degree ofdisturbance. Reasons for the paucity of evidence were theephemeral quality of many of the structures and site conditions,notably flooding. Although the sites were determined as presentingminimal potential research value, the 'associative' significance ofthe remaining archaeological sites was recognized as

...evidence of the various functions and facilities provided withinthe Park for the many people who worked there and visited.They demonstrate a particular philosophy and custom. Inparticular, they reflect the fact that in the late 19th century andearly 20th century the site accommodated a much largerpopulation (associated with the use and management of thePark) than in recent times. (McDonald et al 1987, p. 42)

The 1987 report also noted that within the built fabric of Audleythere are a variety of construction techniques as well as stylisticvariations in the buildings at Audley, and some of these may beassociated with historical events and as work relief programs. Asecond report, undertaken for the Sutherland Shire Heritage Studyin 1993, found that the archaeology at Audley highly significant as arepresentation of European settlement patters in the area. (PerumalMurphy Wu, 1993.)


Figure 16:Archaeological Site Plan


2.3 Visitor Use, Social Values and Management

2.3.1 Visitor Use at Audley

Audley is the most popular destination point within Royal National Park.This reflects a trend throughout Royal National Park dominated by half-day visits, with the large majority of visitors (94%) arriving by car,mainly from the Southern and Southwestern Sydney suburbs. Usethroughout the park is concentrated along the Hacking River, theforeshore of Port Hacking and the coastline. Audley is the largest dayuse area on the Hacking River.

The most recent data (1987) indicates that approximately 411,000 peoplevisit Audley annually, and casual observation supported by rangers'records, indicates that visitation rates vary widely between weekendsand weekdays, and between holidays and non-holidays. Peak visitationoccurs on Christmas Day, New Years Day, Australia Day, ANZAC Day,Easter and Mother’s Day. On such days when Audley is the primarydestination it may often exceed its parking space capacity. In thiseventuality, NPWS staff man security gates to deter further crowdingto permit access for emergency vehicles. Individual drivers and familygroups of cars may be invited to travel on to another day use area inRoyal National Park (that internal radio communications have indicatedhave space available to receive any overfow from Audley).

This scenario occurs vice versa for other sites such as Wattamolla,Garie and Bonnie Vale that experience unsafe overcrowding on hotsummer holidays when Audley may not be the primary destination ofthe visitor.

Also, after heavy rainfall events Audley Weir may get breached byfloodwaters and Audley becomes split into disconnected left and rightbanks. Picnic areas are completely inundated and BBQs renderedinoperable as their electric or gas mechanisms are flooded. In this casevisitors are turned away from Audley and encouraged to access otherday use areas in Royal National Park via the Waterfall or Otfordentrances.

As the RTA and local traffic Police patrol the Farnell Road closure bothNPWS and RTA communicate via signage and patrol officers at keylocations along the Princes Highway and Farnell Avenue to facilitatevisitor access and use.

The ethnic background of visitors is highly varied, and includesVietnamese, Macedonian, Chinese, Korean and Indian groups, as wellas people of Middle Eastern and west European descent. A ‘snapshot’survey of 520 visitors over the 2004 Australia Day long weekendrevealed 22 ethnic groups - with Greek and Macedonian communitiesconspicuously absent. This may be circumstantial or may be reflectinga trend shift to other destinations by this community. Non-Englishlanguages noted in this 2004 survey (in decending order of frequency);Vietnamese, Arabic, Cantonese, Lebanese Filipino, Italian and Russian(Ross per comm 2004).

from top:

Plate 122:Boating around the flats, 2003

Plate 123:The well used Commonwealth Pavilion, 2003

Plate 124:Group gatherings on Kookaburra Flat, 2003


Activities include mainly barbeques, picnics, walking, bike riding, familygatherings, group gatherings, bird watching, bush walking and boating.Motorboats are gaining popularity, on the saltwater side of the weir.

Groups tend to congregate at the pavilions, with the CommonwealthPavilion and Wattle Forest Pavilion on Kookaburra Flat well used on theweekends for larger groups. The smaller Pavilion at Willow Tree Flat isused by smaller groups and families. Other facilities include the kiosk,the boat shed (with row-boat, kayak and aqua-bike hire), barbecues,toilets, water, carparking, rubbish and recycling, shelter pavilions andthe Dance Hall. The Commonwealth Pavilion is the largest pavilion thatcan shelter 200 people. The Dance Hall can be formally hired forfunctions, community meetings and educational sessions.

Although mainly a destination, Audley is also an important through pointfor traffic to Bundeena (Maianbar) and other parts of the park. It is alsoan access point for adjacent bush tracks, especially Lady CarringtonDrive. The car park at Willow Tree Flat in particular accommodates asignificant number of walkers, joggers and cyclists who use the Drive.

The pavilions and other limited ability sites around Audley are focalpoints for elderly and special needs groups that visit Audley on therelatively quiet week days. The Commonwealth Pavilion especiallyutilised, as is the Willow Tree Flat picnic area, where access is easilyafforded to pavilions and toilet facilities.

CyclingAudley is a very popular destination for family cycling. It is a quiet, non-destructive, healthy and non-polluting activity that is fully supportedand promoted by NPWS. Combined with public transport, cyclingprovides enjoyable and unintrusive mobility and access to Audley. It isideal to the precinct’s scale to explore the picnic areas and adjoiningLady Carrington Drive.

The ‘Sutherland to Audley’ route is promoted and adopted in the BicycleNetwork Plan of the Sutherland Shire’s Local Environment Plan, draftedin 2003 (Doig and Gormley submissions 2004). Maintaining and upgradingbicycle friendly lanes along Rawson Avenue from Sutherland, and itsextension into the Royal National Park along the tramline, facilitate thisaccess mode and visitor use.

The hill on Audley Road presents a challenge to family groups.Discussions between NPWS and RTA to reduce motor traffic speeds,and to extend the road’s sealed shoulder to provide a cycle pathseparated from motor vehicles by the existing crash barrier, are on-going on this visitor use issue.

For avid road cyclists who use the Royal National Park as a full circuitride they statistically prefer riding in an anticlockwise pattern (Whitesubmission 2004). In this way Audley Hill presents an ‘up challenge’whereas Artillery Hill is a ‘down’ or ‘speed challenge’, as the sharedvehicle and car lanes are relatively safer that way.


The proposed signage and road treatment works for speed reductionare currently being considered between NPWS and RTA to incorporatethe needs and safety issues of cyclists and motorists, including thoseat maximum allowable speeds (Pace and McNeill submissions 2004).

It is of interest that cycling spokespeople note that it is car traffic speedrather than terrain that is the chief determinant of where and howriders go. They predict, therefore, that with successful speed reductiongreater cyclist usage within and through the Audley precinct will beexperienced (White and Doig submissions 2004).

Environmental EducationAudley has always been an informal destination by schools, individualstudents, cadets, scouts and family holiday program activities.

Formal programs under the NPWS Discovery Program (previously theSeasonal Ranger Program) and DET’s Environmental Education Centre(previously the Field Studies Centre) have used Audley as a focalpoint and staging area for a number of activities, especially since 1979(Gallan pers comm 2004, and Melrose submission 2004).

Environmental education is afforded through both the natural as wellas the built forms in Audley, with the Dance Hall and CommonwealthPavilion frequently used to host teacher training, student enrichmentprograms, international Teachers forums, and the annual NPWS/DETevent ‘Envirothon’.

The natural world provides inspiration for lessons in environmentalawareness, birdwatching, flora studies, art, macro-invertebratesampling, streamwatch, aboriginal culture, bushcraft and minimalimpact.

Audley is used as the staging area or ‘watering hole’ for undertakingbushwalks to Port hacking (from Reids Flat), Kangaroo Creek (viaRobertsons Knoll), rainforests (via Lady Carrington Dr, Heathcote orWaterfall (via Uloola Track), Muddy Creek (via Winifred Falls track) andmost notably the use of the Honeymoon Track / Bridle Track circuit.

2.3.2 Community Values

General Community Perceptions and ValuesValues identifiable through the uses mentioned in the precedingsection include the tangible and intangible qualities of Audley forrecreational, spiritual and educational potential. Further to these, anOpen Day was held at RNP to elicit community values and perceptionsof Audley in June 2003. The workshop involved an assessment ofAudley's "strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats". Thefollowing discussion of strengths is an extract from a summary reportprepared by Carolyn Stone, the facilitator for the session. Thecomplete report is included as Appendix G. from top:

Plate 125:Community workshop, June 2003


Audley's great strength was seen to lie in its natural beauty, itsproximity to and association with water and the nature and varietyof views it offers.

Audley was noted as a popular meeting place for a wide variety ofusers and for a variety of activities, including bird watching. Thelow-key nature of activities at Audley was appreciated, as were thevarious programs that had been put in place at Audley, including theecological restoration [sic].

Some participants considered that Audley had an "oasis" quality,providing a sense of respite and pleasure for visitors. Its amenitiesand heritage qualities contributed to this. The Aboriginal heritage ofAudley and the associated archaeological richness of the site wereconsidered to be highly important. Audley's European heritage, partlyexpressed in the built elements, including the weir, was also greatlyvalued. Many people felt an attachment to the buildings on the site,as a result of activities having taken place there in which they wereinvolved. Overall, the layering of the history of the site was seen tobe a significant strength.

Aboriginal CommunityThe value of the land occupied by Royal National to the localAboriginal community was documented in 'Royal National Park CoastalCabins Areas Draft Conservation Management Plan' (Brooks et al2001, p. 111). This report identifies two factors which influence theDharwal's use of the area: the diversity and abundance of marineresources along the south coast and the rugged topography. Thelatter contributed to localized and small scale fishing activitiesdispersed along the coast. Although the Dharawal were displacedas the area was resettled, they continue to value coast 'as animportant link to the past and in particular the varied fishing practicesof the Dharawal people' (Brooks, 2001, p. 111) Oral histories withLa Perouse spokespeople, elders and sites officers mention theconfluence of the watercourses as a significant fishing and gatheringarea. The area now known as Audley was the site of family meetingsand as a unifying common ground with their Illawarra relations.

Macedonian CommunityThe NSW NPWS has initiated a study of attitudes towards nationalparks in a series called 'Studies In The Cultural Construction OfOpen Space'. The first publication in the series, A MulticulturalLandscape: national parks & the Macedonian experience (by MartinThomas) published in 2001, broadly sets out to document the diversecultural perceptions and values related to national parks. Thomas'research reveals the important role that Audley has played in assistingthe Macedonians to adjust to a new land and a new culture. Ofspecial interest and note is that from the mid 1970’s to its zenith inmid 1990’s to tapered decline in 2003 the Macedonian community ofSydney and the Illawarra held a large holiday on Christmas Day atAudley, as well as smaller gatherings at Audley throughout the year.

from top:

Plate 126:Macedonian Christmas picnic, 1999(Thomas M., 2001, National Parks and the MacedonianExperience, Pluto Press, Aust.)

Plate 127:Macedonians on Varney Bridge, Christmas1999(reference: as above)

Plate 128:Vietnamese students’ barbeque at RoyalNational Park(Thomas M., 2002, National Parks and the VietnameseExperience, Pluto Press, Aust.)

Plate 129:Boating in Royal National Park(reference: as above)


Vietnamese CommunityThe second publication in the same series, 'Studies In The CulturalConstruction Of Open Space', examined the experience ofVietnamese people in National Parks, but presents quite differentfindings. For the Vietnamese, Audley and similar park-like landscapesin the national parks often serve as introduction to the Australianlandscape. Many Vietnamese arrive in Australia with memories ofwar, and harbour innate fear of 'wild' areas. The author of thisstudy, Mandy Martin, suggests that picnic and pleasure groundshelp these people adjust to their new country by re-presenting these'wild' areas. Alongside some personal fears expressed, severalothers noted that the Vietnamese community also locate sacredexperiences in nature, and areas in several national parks in theSydney region, including Royal (but not Audley) are sites of religiousworship.

2.3.3 NPWS Management

The Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park and GarawarraState Recreation Area Plan of Management (2000) lists 13management objectives specific to Royal National Park six of whichapply to Audley:

• promote natural and cultural heritage conservation, the work of theService, and environmental education;

• protect the catchment of the Hacking River;• conserve the historic recreational settings and cultural landscapes;• increase public awareness of the history and development of RNP in

respect to changes in the philosophy of recreation and conservationmanagement;

• encourage the appropriate use of the park;• provide outdoor recreation opportunities at existing levels within

the established facility areas.

The Plan of Management also contains policies for the conservationof heritage values, and again those that apply to Audley include:

Natural Heritage:• prioritise the control of soil erosion in heavily used estuarine foreshores;• seek cooperation and involvement of the Hacking River Catchment

Management Committee (disbanned in 2000 and replaced with SouthernCatchment Board. NPWS management consult with Councils, DIPNRand other relevant agencies on Hacking catchment issues);

• protect catchment values, including water quality and visual amenity;• maintain diversity and distribution of native flora and fauna communities;• protect wildlife corridors;• control and eradicate weeds, in cooperation with other authorities

and neighbours;• retain exotic plantings of high heritage value without compromise to

natural values;• control and where possible remove introduced species of fauna.


Cultural Heritage:• prepare conservation plans;• adhere to Burra Charter in conservation management and planning;• retain significance of heritage places and items, modify/remove

uses/items compromising heritage values;• develop a complete inventory of heritage items and places, and a

curatorial program;• align heritage inventory with Sutherland Shire Council's Heritage Study;• interpret the history of the park;• Aboriginal Heritage;• adhere to Burra Charter, and conserve all Aboriginal heritage sites;• pursue joint management arrangements with Land Council;• develop a complete inventory of Aboriginal sites.

In particular reference to Audley, NSW NPWS management philosophyis to provide a balance between habitat creation and recreationalsafety, including managing the access to the river edge. Otherspecialized management tasks at Audley include crowd control andriver management which focuses on dredging and removal of snags.


2.4 Landscape Character, Precincts and ConditionAssessment

The spatial structure of Audley Pleasure Grounds contrasts with itslinear approaches on land and water. The confluence of the twovalleys provides the visual and spatial structure to Audley. It is asense of a clearing in the forest with the reflective waterbodyenhancing the open space and extending the once planar quality ofthe grassed flats as a safe destination for recreation. The seenarea of Audley is broken into different spaces as in the sense ofdifferent rooms in a house.

The Audley core is centred around the confluence and includes asone unit the following precincts; Allambie Slopes, Allambie Flat, BusStop Flat, part of Pool Slopes, Kangaroo Flat, Pavilion Flat and Slopes,Currawong Flat, Currawong Slopes and part of Willow Tree Flat,Willow Tree Slopes and the surrounding National Park lands, formingthe landscape setting.

The other rooms are made up of Willow Tree Flat and KookaburraFlat, Reids Flat and Pool Flat.

Within the Study Area other spatial “rooms” can be considered:• the Royal National Park railway station / Visitor Centre precinct• Gardeners Cottage and Garage at Loftus Heights on the plateau• the staff residence and old workshop site on Audley Road.

The existing area of Audley is further defined and plotted on a seriesof maps which identify two broad contexts: the Audley Approacheson the Plateau and within the estuary and the Audley LandscapePrecincts (See Figure 4 - Audley Approaches, figure 31, 32 and 33).

The extent of the Landscape Precincts were derived from the 1987Conservation Plan and are identified as follows into: Salt waterBody, Freshwater body, Flats, Slopes, Steep Sandstone Slopes andPlateau.


1. Saltwater BodyThis is the upper part of the Port Hacking estuary. Its tidal watersare used for active and passive recreation and they contain theremnants of the original stone causeway as well as the stone trainingwalls.

2. Freshwater BodyThis is the extent of the body of water backing up the Hacking Riverand Kangaroo Creek created by the dif ferent causewayconstructions at Audley. Both the causeway and the waterbody aresignificant landscape elements as influential in the development ofAudley and as a gateway to the larger Royal National Park area.

3. FlatsGrassed alluvial Flats with a mixture of cultural and Indigenousplantings and containing various quantities of built artefacts. Theselandscape precincts are divided up into recognisable areas of alluvialriver deposits of a very gentle slope in contrast to the brokencharacter of the steep sandstone country. They support a differentvegetation community and because their form have been developedas picnic flats comprising exotic grasses, trees and shrubs withmixed remnant indigenous species. Most contain roads and parkingareas, walls, culverts, signs shelter pavilions and toilets.

The identified Flats in current use are:Allambie FlatPavilion FlatCurrawong FlatDock Flat (Bus Stop)Reid's FlatPool FlatWillow Tree FlatFig Tree FlatKookaburra Flat (Wattle Forest).

from top:

Plate 130:Saltwater body. View to Reid’s Flat, 2003

Plate 131:Freshwater body adjacent Audley Weir, 2003

Plate 132:The grassy and alluvial Willow Tree and FigTree Flat, 2003


4. SlopesSteep sandstone slopes modified by terracing and cultural planting.These are precincts adjacent to the alluvial Flats where clearingand terracing has occurred either for siting buildings, structures,dams, tanks, plantations, roads or pathways. They are generallyareas of poor sandy soil and where cultural planting has not beengenerally as successful as on the Flats. The slopes providedelevated viewing positions as well as protection from cyclic floodingwithin the valley floors.

The identified Slopes with cultural plantings are:Allambie SlopesReid’s SlopesPool SlopesPavilion SlopesRangers SlopesCurrawong Slopes

5. Steep Sandstone SlopesSteep sandstone slopes with indigenous vegetationThese are areas in a substantially natural state containing mostlyindigenous vegetation and walking tracks, roads or former roads.The relatively nutrient-poor soils support a rich and complex diversityof plant species and forms, and together with the natural ruggednessof the slopes contrast with the simpler linear forms of the developedriver flats.

6. PlateauSandstone plateau with undulating topography and incised creeklines. Large areas of the plateau were cleared for military purposesin the late 19th Century and have regrown despite regular impactfrom fires. The plateau also contains existing and former roadalignments, a branch of the railway line, the Royal National Parkstation, the NPWS Regional and Area Offices, the Royal Visitor Centre,and the Environmental Education Centre (of the Deparment ofEnvironment and Training).

from top:

Plate 133:Modified sandstone terracing, 2003

Plate 134:Steep sandstone slopes with indigenousvegetation, 2003

Plate 135:Sandstone plateau with incised creek lines,2003


PART III SIGNIFICANCE

3.1 Introduction

The following assessment of cultural significance is based on theAudley Conservation Plan (1987) by Brian McDonald et al. Thisassessment extends the 1987 version 3.1 to consider the currentcriteria of the NSW State Heritage Register (2000). It is also informedby the fifth edition of The Conservation Plan (2000) and relies on anunderstanding of:

• the fabric as evidence;• the associations of the place;• its physical qualities and relationships.

3.1.1 Methodology

The assessment relies on the following guidelines to identify andassess specific aspects of Audley’s heritage:• The Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter (revised 2000) which

expresses cultural significance in terms of historical, aesthetic,scientific, and social values;

• The NSW Heritage Office's State Heritage Criteria (SHC) and;• The Australian Heritage Commission’s criteria (AHC), which together

with the SHC assess heritage values, levels and themes

A schedule of significance (Section 3.2) documents the level ofsignificance for each area and item.

3.1.2 Comparative Analysis

Public parks in western Europe and the United States emerged in themid 19th Century in response to intensifying urbanization, and inparticular, out of a desire to clean and civilize the cities. Many ofthese were informed by the romanticism of the 18th Centurylandscape school, and two of the best examples are BirkenheadPark in Manchester England, and Central Park in New York City. Bothfeature central city locations, carriage drives, promenades, artificialbodies of water as well as extensive areas of tree plantings, kiosksand limited opportunities for casual sport.

National Parks emerged in the same period, but responded to thegrowth of cities by focusing on the conservation (rather thantransformation) of natural resources and the provision of recreationalopportunities. Many of the older National Parks (late 19th Centuryand early 20th Century like Yosemite, Yellowstone and Arcadia) inthe United States featured campgrounds, walking tracks and carriagedrives, and were located at great distances from large cities.


Thus, the recreation and pleasure grounds established throughoutSydney in the late 19th Century represent a trend which occurred inEurope, the United States as well as Australia. Early, local prototypesinclude Sydney Botanic Gardens and the Sir Joseph Banks Hotel. Despitethe private development of the hotel and the scientific, institutionalpursuits of the Botanic Gardens, both were used for recreation andincluded a zoological component. In addition, both the National Park andthe Sydney Zoological Gardens (established in 1879 in Moore Park)shared a common board of some of its Trustees.

There are several extant historic pleasure grounds in the metropolitanSydney area. Commonalities include their proximity to water andsuburban communities, the deliberate transformation of the bush to arecreational facility-particularly picnic grounds, and their current locationwithin National Parks. They include the following:

• Athol Hall, in the former Ashton Park, Mosman, Sydney Harbour NationalPark;

• Nielsen Park, Vaucluse, Sydney Harbour National Park;• Fairylands Pleasure Grounds, Lane Cove National Park;• Captain Cook's Landing Place, Kurnell, Botany Bay National Park;• The Dance Hall at Bantry Bay, Garigal National Park;• Orchard Park, Bobbin Head, Kur-ring-gai Chase National Park;• Windy Banks Paradise, Waratah Bay, Kur-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Audley is distinctive in this list by its history as an integral precinctwithin the (Royal) National Park; most, if not all of the other sites listedabove existed prior to and independent of the establishment of thecurrent national parks they are now part of. Audley has evolved withsites of permanent occupation from the establishment of the first NationalPark in Australia in 1879.

The concept of clearing the undergrowth to create extensive grassedareas with remnant and introduced trees to create a parkland setting is acommon one. Often the grassed surface was stocked with introduceddeer to create familiar northern hemisphere settings yet the grass wasoften an attraction for indigenous animals such as wallabies, kangaroosand emus. Mr Harris's Ultimo Estate in Sydney was one such setting withthe introduced deer sent to other country estates such as Manar,Braidwood. When Parramatta Park was created in 1858, deer from Manarwere introduced into the new park. These deer were subsequently sentto the National Park following its establishment in 1879, thereby extendingthe sense of familiarity and ultimately the use of public pleasure groundsfor zoological experimentation and acclimatisation.

Along with Grand Drive in Centennial Park, established in 1888, LadyCarrington Drive is one of the first public 'drives' in New South Wales.In addition, Lord Carrington considered the National Park inaccessiblefor Sydney-siders and subsequently recommended the creation of amore suburban location. This ultimately resulted in the formation ofCentennial Park with the Grand Drive as its first facility. With theexpansion of suburban and urban development Audley is now moreaccessible but mostly dependent on private motor vehicle access.


3.1.3 Historic Themes

Historic themes, set out by the Australian Heritage Commission andthe NSW Heritage Office can provide a context with which thecultural and heritage significance of an item can be understood,assessed and compared. This approach provides a usefulframework within which significance can be assessed.

The 1987 Conservation Plan for Audley identified conservation andrecreation as major heritage themes. Minor themes included access,exploitation of natural resources, scientific uses, military uses anduse of unemployed labour.

In addition to conservation and recreation, education is nowconsidered another major theme, as Audley has become an outdooreducation centre for learning and research for a wide range ofcommunity and institutional environmental education.

The table below is a comparison of the themes in 1987 and 2003.

2003 NSW Themes

Environment: NaturalThe natural environment of Royal National Park, a coastal landscapeof deeply incised Hawkesbury sandstone and a wide variety ofvegetation communities, forms the setting of the Audley study area.Today Audley is characterized by the contrast between the culturallandscape of the picnic grounds and the natural landscape of thesurrounding slopes, plateaux and waterways. A wide variety of(human) communities have engaged with the natural environment atAudley, in an equally wide variety of ways. Consideration of thenature of these interactions, particularly as a setting for recreationfor immigrants to Australia, reveals much about the changing attitudesto the natural environment embedded within broader culturaltransformations.

Environment: CulturalThe construction of a causeway across Port Hacking in 1883 hadthe effect of creating an extensive freshwater body upstream ofthe Hacking River and Kangaroo Creek confluence. Thisfreshwaterbody became the focus of the development of Audley asa cultural landscape which prioritised non-indigenous values. Audleyserved initially as a place of acclimatisation of exotic flora and faunaand later as a place of public recreation.

from top:

Plate 136:Environment: Natural landscape in Audley,2003

Plate 137:Environment: Grassed flats in Audley Core,2003


from top:

Plate 138:Environment: Contrasting landscape typesin Audley. Grassy flats on Allambie Flat look-ing across to natural bushland, 2003.

Plate 139:Events: Picnicking on Allambie Flat, 2003

This cultural landscape utilised the contrasting characteristics ofthe indigenous landscape setting with the cultivated ground mostlyadjacent to the Audley Weir Pool or the headwaters of Port Hacking.Alluvial flats and lower slopes were mostly cleared, fenced, grassedand with exotic plantings gradually introduced to create a complexof built form and a mixture of indigenous, non-local native and exoticflora. Today these represent the evolution of Audley since 1788,albeit without an overall structure or plan for the whole.

Aboriginal CulturesThe Audley study area forms part of the territory of the Dharawalpeople and evidence of their occupation is extant both at Audley andelsewhere within the Royal National Park. The evidence containsdifferent art forms, rock shelter sites camping sites, axe grindingsites and middens all of which are scattered about the Park andbeyond. The Aboriginal sites and their association with the placeare important to contemporary Aboriginal communities. They alsoprovide valuable research and education opportunities to gain awider understanding of the culture of these people within the SydneyBasin.

EventsSpecific historical events have had an impact on the Audley studyarea including;• the Military Reviews and encampments from 1886 to 1901 at

Loftus Heights,• the construction of the Commonwealth Pavilion at Bradley's Flat

in 1901 to celebrate Federation,• the visit by the Duke and Duchess of York in 1901,• the visit of the United States Pacific Fleet sailors and marines in

1908 and their entertainment in the Commonwealth Pavilion,• the construction of the long boatshed in 1938 commemorates

the Sesqui-Centenary of European settlement on the east coastof Australia,

• the visit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 1954 resulting in theprefix "Royal" added to the naming of the Park,

• the building of the NPWS Park Headquarters and Visitors Centrein 1979 to mark the Centenary of the establishment of the NationalPark.

Audley is also the site of a traditional Christmas day picnic attendedby Macedonians.

ExplorationsPort Hacking was first surveyed by Europeans in 1827. Audley isnamed after Lord Audley's camp site at the confluence of KangarooCreek and the former tidal waters of the Hacking River during asurvey of Port Hacking in1864. Exploratory surveys were taken inthe 1870s to determine possible railway routes for a proposed lineto the Illawarra Region.


LabourThe supplementary use of unemployed labour has had a major impacton the works carried out on the Park. The works included theconstruction of roads, culverts, pathways, the underscrubbing ofland, clearing, grassing and tree planting. The training walls in PortHacking were also extended using unemployed labour.

During the Depression of the 1930’s a large camp for the unemployedwas established in the northern section of the Park near Sutherland.A camp was also located on Artillery Hill. More recently, unemployedwork schemes have been used for reconstruction of walking trailssuch as the Honeymoon Track in 1979 and following intensivebushfire damage in1994.

EducationThe NPWS embraces education as part of its mission, and in manyways, the whole Park can be considered an outdoor classroom,most directly through the establishment of the EnvironmentalEducation Centre (EEC), by the NSW Department of Education andTraining for public school children, established adjacent to the VisitorsCentre. As well, the continued operation of the NPWS DiscoveryProgram (formerly Seasonal ranger program) for private schools andfamily activities, embody the educational theme of the precinct.

The EEC and discovery programs regularly use the Dance Hall,Commonwealth Pavilion, and each of the riverside flats for educationaltraining activities of primary and secondary schools and teacher trainingcourses. The Honeymoon Track and Bridle Track circuit is most popularlyused and Audley is often used as the staging area from which walksand activities step off from as it forms the confluence of several majorhabitat themes - rainforest (Lady Carrington Drive), estuary (Reids Flatand Riverside Drive), freshwater creeks (Robertsons Knoll/KangarooCk, reedy riverflats), woodlands (Winifred Falls, Muddy Creek, Uloola,and Honeymoon/Bridle Tracks).

There is also a history of smaller scale efforts to use areas in theAudley Precinct for education. In 1924, a 'Scientist's Cabin' waserected near the Upper Causeway off Lady Carrington Drive toallow for wildlife observations by the Royal Zoological Society. In1943 an experimental plantation of oil-bearing trees was establishedalong part of Lady Carrington Drive. The scheme was sponsored bythe Technological Museum and over 5000 trees were planted. TheNational Park Trustees considered it to be of "educational value".

Recent studies have shown the national parks are an importantdimension of the immigrant experience, often serving as anintroduction to 'nature' in Australia. These same studies indicate thatAudley, in particular, has played an important role in the lives ofMacedonian and Vietnamese immigrants living in the Southern Sydneymetropolitan area, as an unthreatening environment in which toadjust to their new lives (see Thomas, 2001 and Thomas, 2002).

from top:

Plate 140:Labour: Road clearing

Plate 141:Education: Macedonian introduction to theAustralian bush(Thomas M., 2001, National Parks and the MacedonianExperience, Pluto Press, Aust.)


from top:

Plate 142:Leisure: Lawn Bowls on Allambie Flat, 2003

DefenceMilitary uses of Royal National Park date from its beginning in 1879and continued into the 1960s.

The formation of review and encampment grounds at Loftus Heights inthe 1880s included provision of access roads, watering facilities, signalstation, a branch extension of the Illawarra Railway line and enabledthe area to be used for military manoeuvres. A road was constructeddownslope to allow access for bathing in Kangaroo Creek.

An artillery range was established to the east of Audley at ArtilleryHill in 1890 and manoeuvres were carried out here until 1914. Thisrange was used again during World War II.

A camp was set up at Loftus in 1941 and training was carried out allover the Park. During the war, defence measures had an impact on thePark: barbed wire entanglements were placed around the foreshore;boats were removed from the Audley Weir Pool; the Audley Causewaywas blocked and Artillery Hill was mined. Also related to WWII, AllambieHouse was designated as an Emergency Hospital in 1942 andimprovements carried out for it to function as such.

LeisureThe National Park was created in 1879 to provide open space forrecreation, and the provision of recreational opportunities has beena prime management objective for the park throughout its history.The National Park Trust efforts toward " landscape improvement" isa reflection of the nature of work carried out at Audley: theestablishment of a Pleasure Ground, and works and facilities toenable acclimatisation of exotic plants and animals. This was themajor progress carried out in the latter half of the 19th Century andthe pleasure ground ideal extended well into the 20th Century underthe management of the National Park Trust.

By the turn of the 19th Century Audley had taken on the appearanceof a small village offering visitor accommodation and a variety ofamusements. Associated with these activities were service facilitiesincluding staff accommodation, stables, vegetable gardens,paddocks, boatsheds and a school. Access was either by railroad,walking track or water.

Recreation was based on land or water with boating available on boththe Audley Weir Pool and the Port Hacking estuary. The creation of landbased activities required clearing and grassing of the Flats to use aspicnic areas. The Flats were extended and built up with dredged materialfrom the Audley Weir Pool and planted with a variety of shade trees.Today the variety of trees reflects different periods in the evolution ofAudley as a cultural landscape. The Flats were also the sites forrecreational buildings: shelter pavilions, kiosks and toilets.

Camping and semi-permanent camps became a prominent feature ofthe saltwater foreshores.


With the growing strength of the conservation lobby from the 1920son, the recreational objective came under attack. With the advent ofthe National Parks and Wildlife Service management in 1967 anattempt has been made to balance recreation and conservationfunctions, but the National Parks and Wildlife Service managementof the Royal National Park has continued to recognise the importanceof the Park as a recreation space for the urban population.

Nonetheless, late 20th Century changes in attitudes to recreationare evident at Audley: by the late 1970s many Audley buildings weredemolished including, Allambie House (guest house), severalworkers' cottages, a concrete lookout, the kiosk, dressing sheds,swimming enclosure, tennis court, bowling green and the remainsof the Kangaroo Creek Bridge. Equally significant was the change inthe perception of the landscape: gardens, rockeries, and exoticplantings were no longer maintained. Attempts were made to removeexotic vegetation that did not fit in with the indigenous ecology -Australian plants used as screen planting generally. Work to improvesome of the Flats included the extension of car parking areas andwharf structures to improve foreshore access. New facilities suchas toilet blocks, kiosk and Park headquarters were designed to blendin with the natural environment.

During 1996-1997 the land form of Ironbark Flat was altered byraising levels with earth and sandstone boulders to create a seriesof more intimate spaces also defined by mass planting withindigenous species. This has changed the spatial and visual structureof the previously open grassed flat.

PersonsThe Audley study area has been associated with several notablepeople who have influenced the physical formation of the place:

Sir John Robertson (1816-1891) acted as the first Chairman of theNational Park Trust and as leader of the Government urged the dedicationof the National Park as the lungs of the city. He was premier of thecolony 5 times, retiring from politics in 1886.

Charles Moore (1820-1905) Director of Sydney Botanic Gardens 1848-1896 and former National Park Trustee and member of the ZoologicalSociety

J. J. Cahill (c.1959) former NSW premier and Chairman of the NationalPark in the 1950s.

Varney Parkes (1857-1935) Architect and former National Park Trustee.

J. F. Hennessey (1853-1924) Architect and former National Park Trusteewho was also associated with the NSW Zoological Society. Hennesseyprepared designs for the Moore Park Zoo, and is thought to haveprepared the initial plans for the Audley Kiosk and Dance Hall which didnot proceed until 1947 (Foulcher, 1987).

from top:

Plate 143:Persons: Sir John Robertson


Coben Parkes (1935-1958) Former Government Architect under whoseoffice the design of the Audley Kiosk and Dance Hall is credited.

NPWS managers 1967-2004 - notably Chuck Wilder, Kenneth Ayers,Peter Stevens and Peter Hay - oversaw the rise of status of natureconservation as a significant management ethic. During this time: AllambieHouse was removed due to terminal white ant damage, bushregeneration works removed invasive species, the kiosk found a newlocation, Varney Bridge was refurbished, attempts were made (in 1998)to reinstate an assemblage of riparian rainforest species to IronbarkFlat as a recreational levee space, plans to connect sewer and reclaimsea-walls, overseeing completion of plans to construct fishway at theweir, and integrated Conservation Management Plan and LandscapeMasterplans were commissioned

3.1.4 Assessment of Significance

The following assessment of significance is based on the currentNSW State Heritage Office criteria for assessment of heritagesignificance. It also extends the 1987 Conservation Plan to refer toboth the NSW State Heritage Criteria (SHC) and the national AustraliaHeritage Criteria (AHC) within the Register of the National Estate.

The NSW State Heritage Office criteria are as follows:

Criterion (a) an item is important in the course, or pattern, of the state’scultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the localarea);

Criterion (b) an item has strong or special association with the life orworks of a person, or group of persons, of importance in NSW’s culturalor natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area);

Criterion (c) an item is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristicsand/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in NSW (orthe local area);

Criterion (d) an item has strong or special association with a particularcommunity or cultural group in NSW (or the local area) for social, cultural orspiritual reasons;

Criterion (e) an item has potential to yield information that will contribute toan understanding of NSW’s cultural or natural history (or the cultural ornatural history of the local area);

Criterion (f) an item possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspectsof NSW’s cultural or natural history of the local area;

Criterion (g) an item is important in demonstrating the principalcharacteristics of a class of NSW’s cultural or natural places; or cultural ornatural environments (or a class of the local area’s cultural or naturalplaces, or cultural or natural environment).


These criteria are exemplified in Audley by the following items: (ReferAppendix O: Criteria for the Register of the National Estate).

Criterion (a and b) Historic Significance (AHC Criterion A & H)Audley, including its built form, its recreation grounds, water bodies andnatural environment are historically significant as they demonstrateevidence and an evolving pattern of public recreation and conservationmanagement within Australia's oldest national park.

Audley is associated with significant individuals who assisted in theestablishment of the National Park generally, and the development of Audleyin particular. These include Lord Audley, Sir John Robertson, Charles Moore,J. F. Hennessy, Varney Parkes, Cobden Parkes, J. J. Cahill Chuck Wilder,Kenneth Ayers, Peter Stevens and Peter Hay.

Audley contains evidence of the changing attitudes in Australia towardsrecreation, conservation and education.

Criterion (c) Aesthetic Significance (AHC Criterion F)In aesthetic terms, the Audley Study area is a landscape of contrastsbetween the the steep sandstone slopes and the recreational riversideflats between the saltwater and the freshwater environments.

Criterion (d) Technical Significance (AHC Criterion C)The Audley Study Area has the potential to reveal evidence of occupationby indigenous people. The study area is likely to provide a potentialarchaeological resource for both indigenous and non-indigenousoccupants.

Criterion (e) ocial Significance (AHC Criterion G)As a recreational facility, Audley is associated with a wide range of regionalcommunities, both indigenous and non-indigenous. It has had particularsignificance for the Macedonian community.

Criterion (f) Rarity Value (AHC Criterion B)The Audley study area contains a rare and substantially intact buildingsincluding the Commonwealth Pavilion, the Dance Hall and the Kiosk. Theelongated scale of the Commonwealth Pavilion has no extant equal inNSW. (A similar long structure was erected at Chowder Bay but wasdemolished.)

Criterion (g) Representative ValueThe Audley study area as a recreation facility within the Royal NationalPark is associated with similar pleasure grounds in other NSW NationalParks, such as Bobbin Head in Kur-ring-gai Chase National Park. It is alsothe oldest of these facilities which have evolved as an integral complexwith that of the Park.


3.1.5 Statement of Significance

The Statement of Significance explains the nature of the culturalsignificance of Audley.

It is based on an understanding of the historical development ofAudley and its setting, layers of physical evidence, and landscape.

The statement of significance prepared for the 1987 AudleyConservation Plan referred to the Audley Precinct and the approachesby water and road. To date, two additional statements of significancewere prepared for subsequent heritage listings: one for the NSWNPWS Historic Heritage Management System (HHIMS), and the secondfor the (draft) 2004 Sutherland Shire Local Environmental Plan. (The1999 listing on the NSW Heritage Register is supported by the NPWSHHIMS documentation, and contains no statement of significance ordescription of Audley.)


2004 Statement of Cultural SignificanceAudley Masterplan and Conservation Management Plan

Audley, including its approaches, is of exceptional cultural significance to Australia, NSW and the Royal National Parkbecause it:

• embodies physical evidence of the major recreation and conservation attitudes which influenced the developmentof the National Park. These evolved here first and later had broader and significant implications of the managementof National Parks resources throughout Australia. The Royal National Park was the forerunner of all the NationalParks which have subsequently been dedicated;

• is the main point of entry and focal point of the first National Park in Australia and the second national Park in theworld.

• it has provided accommodation for a fluctuating work staff over its period of existence and facilities forgenerations of picnickers, walkers and others seeking recreational outlet away from the city;

• contains evidence of the natural environment at the confluence of saltwater and freshwater drainage systemsand the confluence of three major geological formations of the Sydney basis; Wianamatta Group, HawkesburySandstone and Narrabeen Group;

• is part of the territory of the Dharawal people. The place has high cultural value to indigenous people whocontinue to participate in the cultural and physical management of the place;

• is the site of acclimatization and zoological experimentation of exotic flora and fauna;

• is the site of continuing recreational use from the establishment of the National Park in 1879 to the present;

• is associated with military use for reviews, encampments, artillery practice, wartime occupation and thedevelopment of facilities to cater for military use;

• is a safe reference point from which the natural and cultural environments of the RNP can be visually and/orphysically engaged with;

• is associated with diverse community use and particularly the role it continues to play in the adaption ofimmigrants to Australian culture and to concepts of the natural environment and education;

• of its substantial surviving fabric (extant and archaeological) documenting its historical development;

• of its association with various individuals and organizations.

• including the Dharawal people, Lord Audley, various Chairmen of the National Park Trust including: Sir JohnRobertson who is acknowledged as the founder of the Park and it's first Chairman; former NSW Premiers, Sir J Seeand J J Cahill; Charles Moore (Director Sydney Botanic Gardens); Lord and Lady Carrington; Varney Parkes; J FHennessy and the former Government Architect Cobden Parkes;

• it is a cultural landmark within the larger environment of the Royal National Park. Originally created as semi-private pleasure grounds, based on Lord Audley's campsite, with a bias on scientific pursuits associated withacclimatization Audley evolved into a major public recreation ground and is associated with the entry into the RoyalNational Park from the north and as a daytime destination place.

• contains physical evidence of different attitudes towards recreation and conservatiuon, reflecting differentmanagement practices


3.2 Schedule of Significant Areas and Items

Individual areas and items of the Audley approaches and Audleyhave been assessed and a level of significance has been applied.This detailed assessment is provided to enable decisions on thefuture conservation and development.

Grading SignificanceA five tier system derived from the 1987 Audley Conservation Planhas been adopted here to assess the level of significance. Thesecategories provide a framework for Conservation Policies,interpretation, recommended treatments and future development.

A Exceptional - Where an individual area or item is assessed todisplay a strong degree of correlation with the statement ofsignificance for the place. Areas and items display a high degree ofintactness and quality, though minor alterations or degradation maybe evident.

B High - Where an individual area or item is assessed to display asubstantial degree of correlation with the statement of significanceyet may have undergone considerable alterations.

C Moderate - Where an individual area or item is assessed to displaya moderate degree of correlation with the statement of significance.Fabric of little original intrinsic quality and which may have undergoneextensive alteration or adaptation.

D Little - Where an individual area or item is assessed to display alow degree of correlation with the statement of significance. Areasand items of little intrinsic quality that have undergone extensivealteration or adaptation to such an extent that only isolated remnantssurvive resulting in low degree of intactness and quality.

E Intrusive - Where an individual area or item detracts from theappreciation of cultural significance by adversely affecting orobscuring other significant areas or items.

The schedule contains built elements, landscape elements,archaeological elements and areas, views and known indigenoussites. Each area and/or item is identified by a letter or number and islocated on precinct maps (see figures 17-27).

The highly significant areas are Audley Weir Pond; Allambie Ridge,Slope and Flats, and Pavilion Flat.

Highly significant items include five views; the causeway remnants;Audley Weir Pool; the Commonwealth Pavilion; the Dance Hall, thegrassed area in Pavilion Flat; the former road alignment in CurrawongFlat; Lady Carrington Drive; and the cottages on Reid's Slopes,Rangers Slope and the Post Office Cottage.


Item NSW Criteria Significance Level

Plateau Lands 1.1 Gardener’s Cottage Complex a B 1.2 Rawson Avenue alignment e B 1.3 Farnell Avenue alignment e B 1.4 Site of former Military Encampment e,g C 1.5 Former Military Dam e C 1.6 Former Military Road a B 1.7 Former Audley Road a B 1.8 View from former Audley Road c A 1.9 Florence Parade a B 1.10 National Park Railway Station a B 1.11 Royal National Park Headquarters a C 1.12 Artillery Hill e C 1.13 Railway Line a B Port Hacking Estuary 2.1 Stone Training Walls a B Valley 3.1 Lady Carrington Drive a B 3.2 Uloola Tracks Complex g B 3.3 Winifred Falls Track g B 3.4 Sir Bertram Stevens Drive g C

3.2.1 Audley Approaches


HE Hacking Estuary A1 Former Weir / Causeway remnants A


3.2.2 Audley


Figure 17:Port Hacking Estuary



AWP Audley Weir Pool a, b, c, d, e, g A


Figure 18:Audley Weir Pool



ALR Allambie Ridge and Slopes:

RS1 Rock Shelter Site V1 View along road to waterbody a,c A V2 View from former Trust Office a,c B V3 View from Trustee's Cottage site a,c A V4 View from "The Camp" site a,c A V5 View from memorial lookout a,b,c A B1 Cottage (1886 +1891 Post Office) and

Garage a,b,g B

B2 Former Trust Office (1956) D B3 Water Tank a B B4 Lookout Terrace (1904) a,b B B5 War Memorial (1919) a,b,g B B6 Toilet Block (1934) C B7 Toilet Block (1934) C W1 Stone retaining wall a B W2 Stone retaining wall a B W3 Stone retaining wall C W4 Stone retaining wall a,c B W5 Stone retaining wall a,c B W6 Stone retaining wall a,c B W7 Stone retaining wall and steps a,c B W8 Stone retaining wall C W9 Stone retaining wall a,c B W10 Stone retaining wall C W11 Stone retaining wall C W12 Stone retaining wall C W13 Concrete retaining wall C R1 Audley Road a B R2 Allambie Flat Road a B R3 Former Audley Road a B P1 Honeymoon Track a B P2 Steps on former Road C P3 Allambie House Path and steps a B P4 Boatshed Steps and path a B P5 Stone steps C P6 Stone steps C P7 Stone steps a B T1-4 Washingtonia robusta C T3 Butia capitata C T4-6 Brachychiton acerifolium D T7 Cupressus species D T8 Stenocarpus sinuatus D T9-11 Jacaranda mimosifolia D T9 Jacaranda (recently removed) T10-11 Jacaranda mimosifolia D T12 Cinnamomum camphora D T13 Backhousia citriodora C T14 Syzgium paniculatum G1-6 Gardens a C g1-2 Grassed areas D A1-3 Archaeological zone a,b,e B


Figure 19:Allambie Ridge and Slopes


ALF Allambie Flat A B1 Boatshed (1938) a,e,g B B2 Toilet Block (1963) D P1 Path D P2 Path D P3 Path D D1 Timber Ramp a,e,g B D2 Timber Wharf D T1 Juniperus chinensis sp. C T2-11 Populus nigra 'Italica' sp.. C T12-16 Acer sp. C T17 Salix babylonica C T18-23 Lophostemon confertus C T24-30 Ficus hillii C T31-34 Castanospermum australe C T35 Macadamia sp. D T36-37 Erythrina x sykesii E T38 Prunus sp. C T39 Agonis flexuosa C T 40 Pittosporum rhombifolium C G1B Garden D g1-2 Grassed areas C



Figure 20:Allambie Flat


DOF Dock Flat / Causeway a B V1 View over estuary c B V2 View over Audley Weir Pool c B B1 Concrete causeway (1951) a B B2 Base of former bus waiting Shed +

steps a B

W1-2 Stone retaining wall + steps C W3 Concrete retaining wall + steps D P1 Gravel path D P2 Sandstone pavement C T1 Meterosiderous excelsa D T2-3 Melaleuca styphelioides sp. D T4 Platanus x hybrida sp. D T5 Eucalyptus saligna sp. C T6 G1-2 Grassed area C M1 Inscription (1951) b B

DEucalyptus robusta sp.



Figure 21:Dock Flat


PAF Pavilion Flat a,b A V1 View of Audley Weir Pool from Flat a, c A B1 Commonwealth Pavilion a,d,f A B2 Dance Hall a B B3 Toilet Block D B4 Kiosk (1978) D D1-3 Timber wharf D P1 Path network D P2-5 Paved areas D T1-12 Washingtonia robusta C T13-15 Populus deltoides D T16-19 Platanus x hybrida C T20 Cinnamomum camphora C T21 Ficus macrophylla D T22 Melaleuca styphelioides D T23 Populus deltoides D T24 Cinnamomum camphora D t1- 6 Nerium oleander D g1 Grassed area a,d A E1 Earthworks (1998) E S1 Natural Sandstone outcrop C R1 Sir Bertram Stephens Drive C R2 Lady Carrington Drive

a B


PAS Pavilion Slopes a B P1 Winifred Falls Track Entrance C P2 Parking Areas (1965) D P3 Bitumen Paths D P4 Bitumen parking areas D R1 Sir Bertram Stevens Drive a C

RAS Rangers Slopes a B B1 Rangers Cottage (1907-8) C T1 Ficus macrophylla b B T2-3 Lophostemon confertus C T4 Washingtonia robusta C T5 Ficus macrophylla D W1 Sandstone retaining wall a B F1 Timber Fence a B


Figure 22:Pavilion Flat, Pavilion Slope andRanger’s Slope


CUF Currawong Flat a, b B B1 Toilet Block D B2 Timber Bridge a B T1-2 Araucaria bidwillii a,b B T3-10 Araucaria cunninghamiana a,b B T11 Cerotina sililiqua C T12-13 Acer sp. C R1 Bitumen road D W1 Stone retaining wall a C P1 Former road alignment a,b,e A P2 Path and steps D g1-g2 Grassed areas C



Figure 23:Currawong Flat


WTF Willow Tree Flat a B B1 Toilet block (1962) D B2 Shelter pavilion (1953) D R1 Lady Carrington Drive including walls

and culverts a,b A

R2 Gravel road D N1 Stone drain C T1 Erythrina x sykesii D g1 Grassed area of Flat a B


FTF Fig Tree Flat a B T1-2

Ficus macrophylla

a

B

T3

Brachychition acerifolius

C g1 Grassed area a B

KOF Kookaburra Flat a B B1 Shelter Pavilion (1958) D B2 Toilet Block (1975) C P1 Path and steps D g1 Grassed area a B


Figure 24:Kookaburra Flat, Kookaburra Slopes, WillowTree Flat, and Fig Tree Flat


KAF Kangaroo Flat a B W1 Freshwater body a,e B A1 Bridge abutment (1942) a B



Figure 25:Kangaroo Flat



REF Reids Flat and Slopes a B B1 Cottage (1884) a A B2 Toilet block C W1 Stone retaining wall a B W2 Stone retaining wall a B W3 Stone retaining wall a B W4 Stone retaining wall a B W5 Stone retaining wall a B W6 Stone retaining wall a B P1 Riverside Road track a B P2 Steps and former bridge abutment C R1 Riverside Road a B R2 Sealed carpark C S1 Wants beach - sand a B g1 Grassed area a B A1 Former school site and garden a B


Figure 26:Reids Flat and Reids Slope



POF Pool Flat a B B1 Toilet block (1944) C W1 Stone retaining wall a B W2 Stone sea wall and steps to beach a B T1-2 Araucaria heterophylla a B T3-4 Lophostemon confertus C T5 Melaleuca styphelioides C T6 Acer sp. C T7-11 Eucalyptus paniculata a B g1 Grassed area a B P1 Path a B A1 Former Pontoon site C


Figure 27:Pool Flat and Slopes

113AUDLEY DRAFT MASTERPLAN :: May 2006

from top:

Plate 144:Aesthetic Value: Allambie Flat contrastingwith the surrounding natural landscape, 2003

PART IV CONSERVATION POLICY

4.1 Information for Conservation Policy

Conservation policies and recommendations for their implementationare developed from an understanding of:

· The existing conservation policies as outlined in the 1987Conservation Plan.

· The cultural significance of the place as a whole and the level ofsignificance of the individual elements and physical fabricincluding opportunities and constraints arising from thesignificance of the place;

· The general condition of individual areas and items including thestructural adequacy of built items and their settings.

· Possible new uses which are both feasible and compatible withthe retention of the cultural significance.

· Client’s requirements· Statutory and other external constraints.

4.2 Existing Conservation Policies

The 1987 Conservation Plan developed a primary Conservation Policyfor Audley and a number of detailed conservation policies for specificcomponents of the place, categorized as Built items, Archaeologicalsites and Landscape items. The stated Primary Conservation Policyis:

.... that it (Audley) be retained as a cultural, natural andrecreational resource as an historic place within the Royal NationalPark. The management will be responsible not only for the significantcultural and natural resources of Audley but also for its interpretation.

These recommendations were based on a thematic historical analysis,detailed inventory and assessment of structures, archaeologicalsites and landscape items with much of the data remaining valid tothe present. The policies arising as part of this report consider the1987 report whilst reflecting changes in heritage practice since1987 and the extension of the study area to include the approachesto Audley.

114 AUDLEY DRAFT MASTERPLAN :: May 2006

from top:

Plate 145:Aesthetic Value: View from Allambie Flat toVarney Bridge, 2003

Plate 146:Landscape Setting: A group gathering onCurrawong Flat, 2003

4.3 Requirements Arising From Significance

4.3.1 Landscape SettingAudley and its approaches are of exceptional cultural significanceand are integrated with the landscape setting of the Royal NationalPark. The landscape setting of Audley contains both natural andcultural values of varying levels of significance. The landscape is acomposite layering of indigenous and non-indigenous culturesoccupation of the place together with the cyclical influence of fireand flood. Today, the natural landscape visually dominates the settingat Audley, a complex recreation grounds created by non-indigenousoccupants. The complex includes a freshwater pond, cleared andgrassed open space, built facilities for both permanent occupationand short term visitation, gardens and exotic plantations.

Once a primary destination within the Park serviced by a variety ofpublic transportation means the study area is now primarily accessedby private motor vehicle and is not necessarily a primary destinationplace and is often an experienced landscape at high speed bythrough traffic moving to other destinations within the Park andbeyond.

· The future management of a balance of both natural and culturalvalues will provide an opportunity to interpret the landscape asthe dominant element of the place.

· Paths or roadways will continue to generally define the edgesbetween exotic vegetation and the indigenous vegetation in orderto manage their respective contrasting landscape characteristics.

· The scale and significance of the landscape setting provides anopportunity to limit the extent and scale of built intervention andthe extent of on site parking as well as to restore a level ofpublic transportation to relieve the physical pressure and generalimpact of private motor vehicles on the place.

· Integral to the experience of the landscape setting is that of thevisual and spatial structure of the place. The identification andconservation of specific view corridors will aid in the reading ofboth the natural and the cultural landscape.


4.3.2 Built formBuilt form within the study area is of a variable nature as well asvariable levels of significance and includes those items identified in3.2 Schedule of Significant Areas and Items. The items can besummarised as buildings, monuments, weir, structures, bridges,wharves, retaining walls, steps, terraces, fences, gates, roadsand pathways.

The buildings can be categorised into various functions and periodsreflecting different stylistic influences and management practices.Building types include pavilions, kiosks, toilets, residences, formerresidences, boatshed, Park Headquarters and the National ParkRailway station. Pavilions differ from the Federation PeriodCommonwealth Pavilion to the post war mid-Twentieth century periodshelters at Willow tree Flat and Kookaburra Flat. Similarly the extantresidential buildings date from the late Victorian period to the postwar mid-Twentieth century period. Examples of individual buildingexpression are the former Dance Hall and Kiosk and the ParkHeadquarters.

The significant buildings should be revitalised by appropriateconservation works and preferably ongoing uses coupled withcareful management to enhance public appreciation of theirsignificance. Built fabric must be maintained in a condition consistentwith its significance. Any building deterioration must be slowed orhalted and major items of repair must be carried out as soon aspossible. Intrusive accretions that obscure the significant form andfabric of the buildings must be removed.

Many of the concrete toilet blocks are visually conspicuous andintrusive to the naturalness of the parkland setting of the Flats.

from top:

Plate 147:Toilet Block on Allambie Flat, 2003

Plate 148:Gardener’s Cottage and Garage, 2003

Plate 149:Picnic Shelter on Willow Tree Flat, 2003

Plate 150:Cottage on Allambie Ridge, former postoffice, 2003


from top:

Plate 151:Boatshed on Allambie Flat, 2003

Plate 152:Dance Hall and kiosk building, 2003




from top:

Figure 28:Audley Boatshed 1938, (Sketch: CAB Consulting, 2003)

Figure 29:Audley Dance Hall and Kiosk (Sketch: CAB Consulting, 2003)

Figure 30:Commonwealth Pavilion, 1901 (Sketch: CAB Consulting, 2003)


4.3.3 ArchaeologicalThe areas of archaeological potential are indicated on Figure 16Section 2.2.5 and these include known Indigenous and Non-indigenous cultural sites. Very little change has occurred to areasand items identified in the 1987 Conservation Plan. The specificlocations of Indigenous sites have not been located in this reportdue to NPWS policy. In terms of archeology, the 1987 ConservationPlan policy of passive maintenance should remain in place and whereapplicable and appropriate interpretation should occur.

(Refer Appendix L: Thorp W, 1987, Inventory of Archaeological Items,excerpt from 1987 Audley Conservation Plan).

4.4 Condition of Areas and Items

The Audley Approaches and Audley are analysed in Section 2.4 interms of landscape character based on broad landform andwaterform units; Sandstone plateau, Steep Sandstone slopes withindigenous vegetation, Steep sandstone slopes modified by terracing,Grassed alluvial Flats, Freshwater Body and Saltwater Body.Overlapping these landscape units are the Audley LandscapePrecincts. These are more defined areas based on patterns of landuse: Flats, Slopes, Ridges, Freshwater Body and Saltwater Estuary.

The Flats have become dominated by car parking except for PoolFlat and Kangaroo Flat which have no regular vehicular access.The 19th century Flats (Allambie, Pavilion, Currawong, Kangaroo,Dock, Reid’s and Pool) were extensively cleared to create an openparkland character to cater for recreation uses in association withthe adjacent bodies of water. The largely early 20th century Flats(Willow Tree and Fig Tree) were of a more wooded character andall contained exotic tree plantings and various built facilities in thedifferent phases of their development. Kookaburra is the mostnatural Flat, with the exception of the ground plane of continuousgrass surface which continues the parkland tradition of the otherFlats. Built facilities located within the low lying Flats were alwayssubject to flood damage and this included bridges, jetties, kiosks,shelter pavilions and the Audley Weir.

Allambie Flat and Kangaroo Flat have a strong association with thedevelopment of the Trustee’s initial accommodation and supportingvillage and its ultimate evolution into the more public and commerciallyorientated Allambie Guesthouse sited upslope. Evidence remainswithin the Allambie Flat of the former Bowling Green and the formerTennis Court, orchard and vegetable garden of the different formsof accommodation established in the different phases ofdevelopment. So too at Kangaroo Flat evidence remains of the formersignet pond which was also used for water for the milk cows oncekept on this cultivated Flat. This Flat is now overgrown with a mixtureof mostly indigenous regrowth vegetation.

from top:

Plate 155:World War I 1914-1918 Roll of Honour,Allambie Ridge, Audley, 2003


Pavilion Flat is strongly associated with public recreation, gamesand gatherings of individuals as well as groups and particularlymulticultural groups. Its periphery is the site of the CommonwealthPavilion and the former Dance Hall and Kiosks as well as publictoilets. It was the largest open space closest to the point of publictransport located over the weir at Dock Flat. The open space herehas been dramatically reduced by the introduction of extensiveearthworks and mass planting which has changed the open characterinto a more fragmented one with limited views to the freshwaterbody and the other Flats within the core of Audley.

The condition of the vegetation within the Flats is variable and isdealt with in more detail in the Appendix of this report.

The Slopes and Ridges provided flood free sites for the developmentof permanent settlement as well as superior viewing positions tooverlook the space of the developed confluence yet are subject tobushfires. This included the original Audley village located upslopeof the Rest Pavilion and the Trustee’s Cottage on Allambie Ridge aswell as residential buildings of a late Victorian character constructedon higher ground at Allambie Ridge, Reid’s Slopes, Pool Slopes andRanger’s Slopes. These were often associated with a level terracedplatform supported by corbelled sandstone retaining walls and fencedgarden allotments. Only three of these early residences remainalthough their fabric has been much altered to accommodate differentfacilities. Several sites of former residences remain as archaeologicalsites with remnant garden plantings and sandstone retaining wallsof a variable condition. In some cases walls have been added ontoother walls and are a record of change within themselves. TheAudley village area on Allambie Ridge also contains a MemorialLookout over the Kangaroo River and a War Memorial. Both of theseelements are difficult to access because of the encroachment dueto widening of the Audley Road running along the ridgeline to dealwith increased vehicular traffic passing through the Royal NationalPark.

The Freshwater body was created by the construction a sandstoneweir which has been replaced many times due to the intensity of theflooding regime. The present concrete structure was built in 1951.The initial purpose of this water body was the acclimatisation offreshwater fish and the introduction of aquatic birds but it latergained popularity as a boating facility. The provision of a boatshedfor the Trustees in the first phase of development stimulated asuccession of boatsheds on the northern shoreline for both privateand later public use.One of the greatest maintenance issues since the creation of theAudley pond has been the continual clearing of fallen trees afterfloods and the continual siltation of the pond. The present pond isvery shallow and limits boating. Dredging is required to establish asuitable depth to conserve this recreation facility.

from top:

Plate 156:Existing carparking facility, Pavilion Flat, 2003

Plate 157:Existing signage, Currawong Flat, 2003

Plate 158:Existing barbeque, Willow Tree Flat, 2003


Dredging has also been an issue with the saltwater body of the PortHacking estuary where siltation has displaced the relocation of theferry jetty from Dock Flat to Reid’s Flat and Pool Flat. Dredging wasalso necessary to enable a netted swimming area and helped in thecreation of a beach area for swimming access from Pool Flat. Thejetty structures have been removed and the former dock andboatshed areas at Dock Flat and Reid’s Flat filled in to create newlevel grassed areas.

4.5 UsesAudley is one of the most intensely used precincts within RoyalNational Park. Consultation with NSW NPWS staff, a review of theresults from the community open day, and input from experts ininterpretation and traffic management (see Appendices G, E & D)revealed the following opportunities and constraints for visitors atAudley:

· Retain current uses and the focus on water: picnics, casualsport, boating

· Consider extending use to include fishing· Audley is poorly ‘signed’. Improved signage and associated

facilities will strengthen the educational role of Audley and canassist with ‘traffic calming’.

· There is an opportunity to vary the experience of Audley byextending picnic facilities and expanding eating andaccommodation facilities

· Improve pedestrian safety and circulation· Improve use as a ‘node’ for bushwalkers and cyclists, access

for boats· Improve and diversify parking (long term short term)· Develop alternatives to vehicular access, such as tram and/or

shuttle bus to alleviate the congestion at Audley.

In addition, several specific initiatives and recommendations forimproving the recreation experience for visitors were identified and/or validated by Stratcorp Consulting for the Audley Master Plan. Thecomplete Stratcorp Consulting Report is in Appendix H. Theopportunities identified by Stratcorp are as follows:

· Improved provision for walking in Audley by establishing newtracks in and around the existing picnic areas and weir wall, andby introducing an improved signage strategy for the identificationof walking tracks.

· Improved safety for visitors walking around Audley by formalisingthe use of the road for both vehicles and pedestrians.

· Provision of a children’s playground at Audley which is integratedwith the environment and bush setting of Audley.

· Advocate for the cessation of the use of all fibre glass andplastic water craft from the boat hire business, and replace withwooden rowing boats which better reflect the history andcharacter of Audley, and contribute more effectively to the culturalexperience of visitors.


· Introduce additional wood barbeques into the designated picnicareas, and phase out gas barbeques, pending an assessmentof the risk management and the capacity of the parks servicesto maintain wood supplies.

· Introduce additional picnic shelters in strategic locations and abookings system for shelters to better cater for existing andlikely future demand for organised group use of Audley, and asa strategy to minimise the impact from group use of picnic areason smaller groups/individuals.

· Upgrade food and beverage provision through a combination ofnew kiosk and catering facilities and services.

· Remove the existing kiosk building.

A review of these viewpoints resulted in the following summary ofopportunities arising from visitor use:

· Ongoing uses are to be encouraged to conserve the recreationfacilities of the parkland character of the Audley Flats and Slopesand the identified significant built fabric of the place.

· The grassed surface of the parkland landscape character canbe managed by creating hard edges such as roadways andpathways as well as defining garden areas more clearly todistinguish it from the more upslope bushland character.

· Limit the amount of carparking to allow for more passive andactive open space and encourage public transport through thereconstruction of the Audley approaches in the form of walkingtrails, rail access to the railway station with possible bus serviceand water access for ferries and private craft by way of thePort Hacking estuary.

· Encourage the former Dance Hall and Kiosk to be used asoriginally intended subject to access issues and to conform withthe Building Code of Australia or as a potential education facility.Encourage ongoing Kiosk use with a more suitable building on asimilar location as existing facility for short term usage andintegrated with toilet facilities.

· Investigate use of residential buildings for short stayaccommodation to continue ongoing use.

· Consider ongoing use of boatshed with partial adaptation ofexisting facility for boatbuilding.

· Consider adaptation of former Trust Office building as aninterpretation centre for Audley village site and the Trust phasesof development of Audley as part of the National Park.

· Consider extension of shelter pavilions for ongoing passiverecreation and develop an architectural language for both theshelters and toilet blocks which is more harmonious to thelandscape setting of Audley and reduces their visual impact.

· Consider clearing Kangaroo Flat to create more open space andinterpret former uses and reconstruct bridges to reconnect theFlats with a pedestrian system of paths.


4.6 Client’s requirements

The NSW NPWS has identified the following aims for the futuremanagement of Audley and its approaches:

· To establish a vision for Audley which is based on anunderstanding of its heritage values that will also inform its futuredevelopment and ongoing management as a cultural place;

· To clearly define the natural and cultural landscapes, to applythe appropriate management to conserve the cultural significanceof the place and to interpret it for Park users and staff;

· To reconstruct a clear identity for Audley, and to enhance publicappreciation of the significance of the area in order to allow theplace to become a vital site through appropriate usage.

4.7 Statutory and other external constraintsLand within the National Parks system is managed through a layeredsystem which includes planning instruments, policies and guidelinesas well as a collaboration with other relevant community groups andauthorities. The NPWS Act requires that a Plan of Management beprepared for all types of land within the system. These plans,which are statutory, synthesize and apply the state and regionallevel policies to the local level at individual parks. In general, theconservation approach of the NSW NPWS is informed most stronglyby the conservation principles outlines in its current Corporate Plan(2000-2003). These principles are as follows:

· Conservation is landscape based, incorporating and integratingnatural values, Aboriginal cultural and broader community values,and historic heritage values, both within and beyond theprotected area;

· Conservation of nature considers biodiversity, significantlandforms and geological heritage and wilderness;

· Conservation is undertaken within the framework of ecologicallysustainable development;

· Conservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage incorporatesacknowledgement of both traditional and contemporaryassociation of Aboriginal people with environment as well asphysical evidence;

· Aboriginal people are the determinants of the cultural significanceof Aboriginal heritage;

· Protected areas are comprehensive, adequate andrepresentative;


· Conservation of historic heritage must incorporate the retentionand interpretation of both significant historic places andsignificant past land use evidence in the broader context of theNSW landscape and the settlement history of NSW;

· Natural and cultural heritage is conserved for the benefit andwith the support of the community.

NPWS Policy and ManagementOther Service-wide policies that inform both the current RoyalNational Park, Heathcote National Park and Garawarra StateRecreation Area Plan of Management and the NSW NPWS CorporatePlan include the NSW NPWS Cultural Heritage Strategic Policy; theNSW NPWS Field Management Policies; the NSW NPWS WeedManagement (2003) and NSW NPWS Pest Animal Management (2003).

4.7.1 Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park andGarawarra State Recreation Area Plan of Management

Other Sub-Plans of ManagementThis report is one outcome of the POM, and other sub-managementplans are the Draft Fire Management Plan for Royal National Park,Heathcote National Park and Garawarra State Recreation Area(2002); a deer management plan, a fox management plan, and a trialcycling management plan. The guidelines outlined in each of thesebear on the management of cultural heritage of the park, and mustbe incorporated into the conservation planning for Audley.

The Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park and GarawarraState Recreation Area Plan of Management (2000) lists thirteenmanagement objectives specific to Royal National Park six of whichapply to Audley:

Promote natural and cultural heritage conservation, the work of theService, and environmental education;· Protect the catchment of the Hacking River;· Conserve the historic recreational settings and cultural

landscapes;· Increase public awareness of the history and development of

RNP in respect to changes in the philosophy of recreation andconservation management;

· Encourage the appropriate use of the park;· Provide outdoor recreation opportunities at existing levels within

the established facility areas.

The Plan of Management also contains policies for the conservationof heritage values, and again those that apply to Audley include:


Natural Heritage:Prioritise the control of soil erosion in heavily used estuarineforeshores;

· Seek cooperation and involvement of the Hacking RiverCatchment Management Committee;

· Protect catchment values, including water quality and visualamenity;

· Maintain diversity and distribution of native flora and faunacommunities;

· Protect wildlife corridors;· Control and eradicate weeds, in cooperation with other

authorities and neighbours;· Retain exotic plantings of high heritage value without compromise

to natural values;· Control and where possible remove introduced species of fauna;

Cultural HeritagePrepare conservation plans;

· Adhere to Burra Charter in conservation management andplanning;

· Retain significance of heritage places and items, modify/removeuses/items compromising heritage values;

· Develop a complete inventory of heritage items and places, anda curatorial program;

· Align heritage inventory with Sutherland Shire Council’s HeritageStudy;

· Interpret the history of the park;

Aboriginal HeritageAdhere to Burra Charter, and conserve all Aboriginal heritage sites;Pursue joint management arrangements with Land Council;Develop a complete inventory of Aboriginal sites.

In particular reference to Audley, NSW NPWS management philosophyis to provide a balance between habitat creation, recreational safety,including managing the access to the river edge Other specializedmanagement tasks at Audley include crowd control and rivermanagement which focuses on dredging and removal of snags.

4.7.2 The Australian ICOMOS Burra CharterAustralia ICOMOS (International Committee on Monuments and Sites)prepares the ‘Burra Charter’ the standard for conservationphilosophy and methodology in Australia. The Burra Charter hasshaped many of the NSW NPWS heritage management guidelines,including the Field Management Guidelines. The current edition ofthe Burra Charter also considers more comprehensively theconservation of natural values.

from top:

Plate 159:Allambie Flat, 2003

Plate 160:Ironbark/Pavilion Flat, 2003


4.7.3 NSW State GovernmentConsultation with other State Agencies and GroupsAudley is not an isolated heritage landscape: at the confluence oftwo waterways, and with a main road dissecting it, the managementof Audley requires consultation with a number of additional stateagencies including the:

· NSW Heritage Council/Office· NSW Waterways Authority; the NSW· Road Transport Authority; the NSW· State Rail Authority, the NSW Rural Fire Brigade; and the· Hacking River Catchment Management Committee· La Perouse Land Council· National Parks Association· Confederation of Bushwalkers

4.7.4 Sutherland Shire Council Draft LEP 2003The EP & A Act requires local governments to prepare a LocalEnvironmental Plan (LEP), and as above, this must include a registerof local heritage items, places and objects. The LEP is a statutorydocument. In their current LEP, Sutherland Shire has identified 6heritage items at Audley:

1. Artillery Hill: stone work on road 300m from the Visitors’ Centre,crosses Winifred Falls Track (no. A109);

2. Junction of Audley Road/Sir Bertram Stevens Drive as includedin the Audley Conservation Plan (no. A057)

3. The house on the east side of road, on western approach toAudley Weir (no. B001)

4. Rangers’ cottage (corner Lady Carrington Drive) (no. B002);

5. Shelter pavilion – B003

6. Lady Carrington Drive from Audley to Sire Bertram Stevens Drive,including the roadway, sandstone cobblestone paving and MullionBrook, unlocated site of former Ranger’s Cottage (no. A058)

The heritage provisions in the Sutherland Shire LEP specify types ofwork on heritage items which requires development consent.

4.7.5 NSW Heritage Act (1997)The focus of this act is the identification and protection of items ofcultural significance, local, state or national level. The Heritage Actrequires the inventory, assessment and conservation planning foritems and places of historic, scientific, aesthetic and social value.Section 170 of the Heritage Act also requires local governments andstate authorities to maintain registers of heritage items within theirjurisdiction. The Heritage Act is administered by the Heritage Councilwith support from the Heritage Office.


4.7.6 NSW Heritage RegisterThe Heritage Act also established a statewide register of statesignificant places, objects and items. The Audley Historic RecreationComplex was listed on the NSW Heritage Register in April 1999. It islisted as a picnic ground/recreation reserve in the group of recreationand entertainment (see Appendix B). The NSW Heritage Registeralso contains 3 buildings listed separately. All work conducted atAudley must comply with Heritage NSW policy and guidelines.

4.7.7 Environment and Planning Assessment Act (1979)The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (1979) guides landuse at local, regional and state levels. The Act requires anddesignated a process for the assessment of development impactson the environment, both natural and cultural, which includescommunity consultation. The EP & A Act also requires the inclusionof heritage registers in planning instruments such as LocalEnvironmental Plans. The relevance of the EP&A Act to Audley is theobligation to assessment of the impact of development on both thenatural and cultural environment. The EP & A Act also establishesstate agencies and authorities as consent authorities for designateddevelopment within their jurisdiction, but also requires consultationwith relevant and concerned agencies, authorities and communitygroups.

4.7.8 Additional State LegislationAdditional state legislation must be considered for works relating tothe management of water. This includes, but is not limited to theNSW Waterways Act, and the NSW Catchment Management Act1989 and the Fisheries Management Act 1994.

4.7.9 Register of the National EstateAudley is not listed on the Register of the National Estate, managedby the Australian Heritage Commission, and nor is it classified by theNSW National Trust. Both agencies play an important advisory rolein the conservation of cultural and natural heritage.

4.7.10 International TreatiesAreas within Royal National Park are subject to two internationaltreaties: the Chinese Australian Migratory Bird Agreement andJapanese Australian Migratory Bird Agreement. Additional survey isneeded at Audley to determine the applicability of these treaties.

4.7.11 Building Code Of AustraliaThe buildings should be upgraded to comply with the Building Codeof Australia. A BCA assessment is required to assess each of thebuildings against the life safety and fire protection objectives andprinciples of the Building Regulations, to identify aspects of deficiencyand recommend the nature and extent of works considerednecessary to provide a reasonable and acceptable standard ofoccupant fire safety and fire protection. However, all works to thebuildings must not adversely affect significant fabric nor intrudeupon significant interiors.


4.7.12 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act (1974)Under this legislation, the Director-General of the NPWS is vestedwith the responsibility of protecting natural, cultural and Aboriginalheritage. The primary relevance of the NSW NPWS Act is that allwork undertaken on land administered by the agency must complywith NPWS Conservation Policy and Field Management Guidelines,including work that may impact archaeological remains.

In accordance with s.170 of the NSW Heritage Act (1997), NSWNPWS administers its own heritage register known as the NSWNPWS Historic Heritage Information Management System or HHIMS,and the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS)a database of indigenous sites in NSW. (See Section2.2.2) CurrentlyHHIMS lists Audley Village, consisting of 14 items, as a complex ofstate level of significance. Audley Village consists of 14 items: theDance Hall/Kiosk; Walls and Steps; Sheltered; Guest House Sites;Commonwealth Pavilion; Allambie House; Lower Causeway; SharkNet; Boatshed; Wharf; Cleared Areas; Garden/Landscaping; ToiletBlock; and Bridge.

The HHIMS also contains 18 entries for separate items, four of whichare not currently included in the Audley Village listing. These are theAudley Shack sites; the Audley Heights Cottage; the Audley PostOffice Cottage; and the War Memorial and Lookout. All of thesehave potential for listing as separate items on the State HeritageRegister.

4.7.13 NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995)The purpose of this act to conserve and protect threatened andvulnerable species and communities; to ensure appropriateassessment of impact on threatened species, populations andecological communities. The TSCA is administered by the NSW NPWS,and is the Service’s main vehicle for the protection of natural heritagevalues. NPWS maintains the NPWS Atlas of Wildlife as the officialregister of endangered species. The TSC is relevant to the AudleyMaster Plan in that the powerful owl is occasionally spotted at WattleForest (Anyon-Smith, 2002). Proposals must be assessed for theirimpact on the powerful owl.

4.7.14 Rural Fires Act 1997Under this Act, the NSW NPWS is a fire authority, and is responsiblefor preventing and managing fires occurring on its land. A FireManagement Plan for Royal and Heathcote National Parks andGarawarra State Recreational Area was prepared in 2001. The Planestablished zones of fire management for Royal National Park, andfour of these surround Audley. The Plan also identifies historic assetswithin the Audley Precinct that require fire protection.


4.7.15 Occupational Health and Safety ActAll buildings, structures and sites should be assessed in accordanceto the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to maintaininga safe workplace. The managements maintenance and design ofnew and existing structures and environments should be coordinatedwith park management to implement the appropriate workplace safetyprocedures.

4.8 Statement of Conservation Policy

4.8.1 IntroductionAudley and its approaches is a place of exceptional culturalsignificance for many people. Underlying its changing patterns ofnon-indigenous occupation is a strong sense of aboriginality, oftensuperficially interpreted as a natural environment, but rather asignificant indigenous cultural landscape informed by millennia ofoccupation.

This coupled with its role as a destination for recreation and as anintegral development with the formation of the first national park inAustralia places it as of national significance. Its ability to expressthrough its extant fabric the changes towards recreation and natureconservation and their management places it at both national andstate levels of cultural significance.

Audley and its approaches as the subject study area for this projectis currently an area which has become somewhat overlooked witha contemporary society more focused on the coast and theopportunities of other destinations given a more mobile society.

The formulation of conservation policies is the starting point formanaging heritage significance and providing a sound frameworkfor future planning and design actions. The overall purpose ofconservation policies is to preserve and enhance appreciation ofthe heritage significance of the whole place; the natural setting, thebuilt forms and their cultural landscape setting. The purpose of thiscombined conservation plan and masterplan document is to moreclearly define Audley as a distinctive cultural landscape consistingof many layers and multicultural associations, and assure that itcontinues to serve as an attractive and safe environment for visitorswith adequate facilities for passive recreation. The followingconservation policies for Audley outline courses of action to befollowed in the consideration and development of long-term use andmaintenance plans for the complex of built forms, archaeologicalsites and landscape setting such that the cultural significance isretained and enhanced and not diminished. The policies have beenformulated to:

· Preserve the cultural significance of the fabric of the wholeplace;


· Retain and enhance the character and quality of the built formand their settings;

· Facilitate introduction of uses, elements or built form compatiblewith the character and quality of the existing buildings and thedifferent areas;

· Nominate intrusive components in need of modification or removal.

This document is based on an understanding of the natural andcultural heritage values of Audley, safe accessibility for humans,contemporary recreation needs and environmental issues; the intentis to articulate a masterplan which will create a new layer andfurther enrich the quality of life to ensure the ongoing vitality ofAudley.

4.8.2 General Conservation PoliciesThe conservation of the study area can best be achieved by:

· Conservation of the setting of Audley and approaches, and theassociated landscapes both natural and cultural.

· Conservation and adaptive re-use of the significant buildingsand structures.

· Accommodation of on-going uses or uses which will enhancepublic appreciation of the cultural significance of the place andensure the conservation of significant built fabric, landscapeand archaeological items.

· Minimization of intervention to significant fabric.

· Implementation of fire safety measures and safe access to complywith the intent of the Building Code of Australia while notdamaging significant fabric in any way.

· Implementation of a regular maintenance programme.

· Regular heritage management training for staff.


4.9 Detailed conservation Policies

The following policies are recommended for the conservation of thestudy area referred to as Audley and its approaches. The policiesare presented under various headings seen to be of criticalimportance to the preservation of the cultural heritage of Audley asa cultural landscape containing a complex of built form, archaeologicalsites, made landscapes and borrowing from the natural environment.

4.9.1 Adoption of the Conservation Management PlanReview

Policy 1.1This Conservation Management Plan Review should be adopted byNSW National Parks and Wildlife Service as part of the process toinform the Master Plan for Audley and its approaches. It shouldbecome a standard requirement for works contemplated within thestudy area to be in accordance with its recommendations.

Policy 1.2The management of the study area should be informed by anunderstanding of the cultural significance of the place as describedin this Conservation Management Plan Review.

Policy 1.3A management structure should be implemented that:

· Integrates conservation into the overall management of Audleyand approaches;

· Provides for the long term conservation of significant fabric;· Disseminates the aims and intentions of this Conservation

Management Plan Review to appropriate officers.

Policy 1.4Heritage management expertise should be incorporated into themanagement of the place or should be imported from appropriatesources.

4.9.2 Statutory Considerations

Policy 1.5Upgrading of buildings to comply with the requirements of the BuildingCode of Australia and the Disability Discrimination Act should beundertaken in a way which does not damage the cultural significanceof the buildings and their setting.

4.9.3 Approach to maintenance of the fabric.

Policy 1.6All work done to the historic fabric of the significant items and theirsetting should be done in accordance with the principles of theBurra Charter.


4.9.4 Approach to changes to the fabric

Policy 1.7While recognising the need for change, the approach to the fabricshould be one of minimal intervention.

4.9.5 Integrity of design

Policy 1.8Retain evidence of the important phases of historical developmentof the place including:· Indigenous occupation· National Park Trust phase· NPWS phase

4.9.6 Recording of changes

Policy 1.9All changes to the fabric of the place should be carefully recordedaccording to Heritage Office Guidelines relating to archival recordingfor Sites of State Significance.

4.9.7 Conservation Advice

Policy 1.10 Prior to undertaking any conservation, maintenanceor upgrading works on any part of the significant fabric aConservation Actions Schedule shall be prepared. The Schedulewill be a succinct document which:

· Augments the assessment of cultural significance, byundertaking more detailed investigation, recording andassessment of the documentary and physical evidence.

· Determines the appropriate conservation policies.· Sets out a comprehensive schedule of conservation actions,

based upon the conservation policies.

4.9.8 Archaeology

Policy 1.11An excavation permit must be obtained from the Heritage Council ofNSW, in accordance with the relics provisions of the Heritage Act,prior to the commencement of works in any area identified as havingarchaeological potential.

Policy 1.12Evidence of Aboriginal occupation will be identified, conserved andinterpreted in conjunction with local Aboriginal groups by establishingan Aboriginal Steering Group.

Policy 1.13A Section 87 permit is required if investigations are required toestablish that no Aboriginal object will be disturbed by the proposedworks program. It should be noted in the staging of works thatSection 87 Applications can take up to 6-8 weeks to process.


Policy 1.14A Section 90 permit is required when a known Aboriginal object willbe disturbed, destroyed or removed as part of the proposed worksprogram. It should be noted for staging of works that Section 90Applications can take up to 6-8 weeks to process.

4.9.9 Interpretation

Policy 1.15The interpretation of the whole of the study area as a culturallandscape, including the buildings, landscaped setting, archaeologicalevidence, structures and artefacts found on sites should be see asan important element of the conservation of the place.

Policy 1.16Audley’s landscape will be managed to recognise all periods of itsuse and to enhance and interpret its cultural significance.

Policy 1.17Interpretation of Aboriginal history should be undertaken inconsultation, and where possible developed and delivered byAboriginal people.

Policy 1.18Historically appropriate nomenclature for existing items and otherfeatures will be promoted in terms of low- key signage, publicity andeducation.

Policy 1.19Avoid a plethora of signage.

Policy 1.20A comprehensive schedule of existing moveable heritage items willbe developed and a conservation, management, display andinterpretation strategy drawn up to preserve the integrity of themoveable heritage collection.

Policy 1.21Any future management plan for the study area should examine theneed for accommodating visitors to the area whilst protecting thesignificant cultural fabric of the place.

4.9.10 Future use and development

Policy 1.22The preferred new uses for the significant buildings are uses whichenhance the appreciation of the significance of the place and ensurethe conservation of the built elements and landscape items. Thespatial configuration of the significant areas and buildings shouldalso be considered.


Policy 1.23The management of the area should include careful siting of anyfuture development so it will enhance appreciation of the culturalsignificance of the place with special care to preserve the fabricand views identified as significance level A, B or C as outlined inSection 3.2 Schedule of Significant Areas and Items.

4.9.11 Conservation works

Policy 1.24The significant fabric and elements of the study, identified assignificance level A, B or C in Section 3.2 Schedule of SignificantAreas and Items should be conserved.

Policy 1.25Conserve, reconstruct and reuse elements which provide usefulfunctions, evidence of the historical layering and do not adverselyeffect significant fabric.

Policy 1.26New development or construction of new additions to the existingbuilding envelopes is not recommended.

Policy 1.27The installation of new services is permissible where new serviceroutes or locations cause minimal damage to existing locations or tosignificant fabric, or where old service routes and locations are re-utilised.

Policy 1.28Remove intrusive elements to regain significant fabric including:

· Earthworks and associated plantings in the centre of PavilionFlat

· Kiosk complex at Pavilion Flat (PAF: B4)· Cottage at Reid’s Slopes (REF: B1)· Siltation on bed of Audley Weir Pond· Vegetation within significant view line corridors on approach to

and within Audley

Policy 1.29Repair elements in need of urgent attention. Retain and patch/repairexisting fabric in situ, rather than replicate original material. Areaswhere this will have to be considered are in particular:

· Stone retaining walls generally· All significant buildings· Roads and paths together with their edging.


Policy 1.30Adaptive reuse to ensure that significant fabric is conserved andthat inappropriate intervention will not occur to built items including:

· Former Trust office building (ALR: B2 )· Former Dance Hall and Kiosk (PAF: B2)· Original Audley Road as a walking track· Road surfaces along Audley road and Sir Bertram Stevens Drive

to accommodate safe pedestrian access· Former paths to swimming place on Kangaroo Flat and track to

former aviary on Currawong Flat· Former Gardeners Cottage and Garage, Loftus Heights (A :B1)

Policy 1.31Reconstruct the following elements:· Bridge structures over Kangaroo Creek· Open grassed area adjacent to the Commonwealth Pavilion on

Pavilion Flat· Safe swimming area in Port Hacking adjacent to Pool Flat· Jetties in Port Hacking for ferry access· Zig Zag track

Policy 1.32Amenities and facilities will be provided so as to ensure that usedoes not compromise the natural and cultural heritage values ofAudley.

Policy 1.33Occupancies of historic buildings will be subject to special leaseconditions to ensure proper care of the building fabric to preventunauthorised work.

Policy 1.34Where significant trees have failed in a particular location, they maywhere appropriate, be interpreted by replacement with a differenttree species otherwise replacement plantings shall be of the sameor similar species.

Policy 1.35Remove areas and individual plantings considered to be weedsincluding:

· Self-seeded Camphor laurels generally· Self-seeded Brush Box generally· Self-seeded Melaleuca armillaris, particularly from Allambie

Ridge area generally.

Policy 1.36The site of Allambie house should be conserved as open space andits history interpreted insitu.


4.9.12 Review of Conservation Management plan

Policy 1.37This Conservation Management Plan is to be reviewed at 5 yearlyintervals as specified in the Heritage Office Guidelines for thePreparation of Conservation Management Plans. The results ofstudies should be kept up to date, regularly reviewed and revisedas necessary.


Part IIUnderstanding Audley

from top:

Plate 161:The Fish Ladder by Audley Weir, 2003

Plate 162:Audley Weir, 2003

PART V LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN

5.1 Introduction

The Statement of Cultural Significance generates fundamentallandscape principles.

They relate to the significance of the:• Natural environment to both indigenous and non-indigenous

people• Cultural environment to both indigenous and non-indigenous

people• National Park period and its strong links to military use,

acclimatization, zoological experimentation and recreation• Different attitudes to recreation and conservation and their

influence on the National Park.

The landscape design principles are:• Ecological Systems• Conservation of Recreational Parkland• Contrast• Connectivity

5.1.1 Ecological SystemsAudley and its approaches are located within a diversity of ecologicalsystems derived from freshwater drainage of terrestrial landformsand the estuarine tidal environment of Port Hacking. Both areinfluenced by the underlying geological formations, resultant soilformations and vegetation type, structure and associations.

Conservation of these systems will ensure the continuity of thecomplexity of the natural landscape as the predominant setting ofAudley and its approaches which has supported both indigenousand non-indigenous cultures.

5.1.2 Conservation of Recreational ParklandThe creation of a central freshwater body such as the Audley Pooland the development of adjacent alluvial flats as grassed parklanddemonstrates a cultural response to the natural landscape.

This imposed landscape structure within the flood zone at theconfluence of two major freshwater drainage systems has evolvedto include a variety of built forms to accommodate changing patternsof recreation. The recreational parkland landscape character hasbeen extended to overlap the areas of permanent accommodationlocated on adjacent slopes and ridges to avoid flooding damage butnot fire damage. These sites form to collectively present a villagecharacter and are often associated with isolated gardens for bothpractical and aesthetic functions. Many of these sites are now inan archaeological condition and the remnant gardens, often createdby stone retaining walls and disturbed ground are the only extantindicators of a once extensive permanent settlement.


Conservation of these sites and their interpretation will ensure thecontinuity of the complexity of the cultural landscape of Audley.

The Audley approaches provide a diversity of terrestrial and aquaticl inkages to gain access to Audley by means of evolvingtransportation methods. The motor vehicle is one of the greatestphysical impacts to Audley yet provides the most common means ofvisitation.

The principle of recreational parkland should ensure that the visualimpact of car parking is minimized.

5.1.3 ContrastThe quality of contrast is evident at both macro and micro scales.Contrast in landforms, waterforms, edges, colour, texture and spatialenclosure is and has been evident at Audley and within isapproaches.

A major contrast is that between the cultivated ground and thesurrounding natural landscape.

Conservation of this quality by well defined precincts will ensurethe continuity and clarity of reading the obviously cultural landscapeagainst the indigenous.

5.1.4 ConnectivityThis principle refers to both the physical and visual connectivity thatexisted within Audley and has been partly obscured.

Preference has been given to pedestrian connectivity to link a seriesof seemingly isolated areas so that the whole place is capable ofbeing experienced on foot as opposed to a number of vehicularmovements. This is effected by creating new bridge structures onthe site of previously known forms over the Audley Pool andconnected to a system of old as well as new paths.

Visual connectivity is related to the spatial structure of Audley as anopen recreational parkland with particular views directed towardsthe focal water bodies from both the slopes and flats of the valleysand from approach roads and tracks.

from top:

Plate 163:Road Approach to Audley, Audley Road, 2003

Plate 164:Contrasting steep and flat landforms, con-trasting natural and cultivated landscapes,Allambie Slopes, 2003.


5.1.5 Landscape Design GuidelinesLandform• There must be no further dramatic alteration to the natural

landform.

Waterform• Maintain suitable depth for water-based recreation.• Keep soft edges to freshwater bodies (Audley Pool, Hacking

River and Kangaroo Creek).• Keep existing hard edges to estuarine waterbody (Port Hacking)

and conserve natural rock edges.

Vegetation• Conserve identified significant vegetation.• Conserve parkland character to Flats with generally open

grassed surface.• Contrast grassed areas with indigenous areas by path, track or

road edges.• Use vegetation as an interpretive tool to understand both the

natural and the cultural values of the Park.• Avoid overplanting large areas of identified picnic flats with trees

and shrubs.• Conserve identified view corridors by selective thinning of post-

fire regrowth of short-lived wattles on Allambie Slopes.• Reinstate identified and significant exotic plans with species of

similar significance, ideally indigenous or at least native, that arenot invasive to bushland.

Built Form• Use historic appreciation of Audley's built form for any new

buildings/ structures/walls and built landscape elements in regardto scale, siting, shape character and materials.

• Where possible, use the footprints of former buildings to add tothe interpretation of the landscape if/where new buildings arerequired.

• Except where interpreting or reconstructing former elementsnew buildings should be rectangular in shape.

• Avoid proliferation of new built forms.• New bridges to reflect the character of Audley in their scale,

form and materials but not necessarily reconstructions of earlierknown forms.

• Roads within Audley to be reduced in scale and provided with asurface to encourage traffic calming.

Materials• Stone, timber and steel should be used for any new built elements.• Avoid treated pine logs generally.

Signage and Furniture• New signage and furniture should be sympathetic to the cultural

significance of the place.• Avoid "off the shelf" signage and furniture.

from top:

Plate 165:Vegetation: Culturally significant plantings:Washingtonia robusta palms at the entry toPavilion Flat, 2003

Plate 166:Waterform: Audley Weir Pool, view form Pa-vilion Flat to Allambie Flat and boatshed,2003

Plate 167:Materials: A stone wall on the estuary sideof Audley, 2003

Plate 168: (opposite)Audley and Port Hacking Estuary within theRoyal National Park, 2003


5.2 Actions

This plan identifies specific actions to both conserve and interpretsignificant fabric and to propose new works to enhance the facilitiesand provide greater connectivity within the complex that is Audley.

It is based on the established heritage values of Audley and itsapproaches.

The recognition of these values is reflected in the proposed newworks including adaptation of existing built forms, new built forms toeffect greater visual and physical connectivity and to encourage adiversity of recreation, educational uses alongside conservation ofthe natural and cultural environment.

The actions are listed by the 14 precincts (A-N) that follow, and areorganised by conservation works relating to extant fabric and newworks.

The new works attempt to aid in the interpretation of the place aswell as enhance public appreciation of the cultural significance ofthe place and to assist in the vitality of the place through appropriateusage.

The actions are located and described on the Master Plan Drawingas well as in Appendix P “Action Plan - Costings” on p. 253 of thisreport.


Hacking Estuary

The Hacking Estuary comprises the saltwater body downstream ofthe Audley Weir. The estuary is a popular destination for kayakingand fishing. It contains highly significant heritage items, such as thesea walls, remnants of former weir structures and training wallswhich are in degraded condition. The following recommendationsfocus on the conservation of these items and provide for theanticipated increase in boating, swimming and fishing activity in thisarea.

Actions:Existing Facilities - Conservation, Interpretation and AdaptationA1 Interpret former weir (link with Dock Flat)A2 Restore sea walls to stabilise bank erosion (including Pool

and Reids Flat).A3 Interpret former netted swimming enclosure with new

saltwater swimming area designated (See Dock Flat andPool Flat actions)

A4 Conserve training walls and interpret.

New WorksA6 Reconstruct jetties on sites of former jetty structures.A7 Reinstate and interpret fishway.A8 Install interpretative and directional signage along water's

edge visible from land, road and water.

Audley Weir Pool

Audley Weir Pool constitutes the ponded freshwater body upstreamof the weir incorporating water from the Kangaroo Creek and HackingRiver catchments. It is the focus of activity at Audley, and forms thewater body middle ground within Audley. Recommendations arebased on the need to conserve the pool for its high biodiversity,aesthetic and social values. The master plan recommendations alsoanticipate the continued high demand for physical access to thepool from various points, and for various purposes, mainly boatingand birdwatching.

from top:

Plate 169:Hacking Estuary: Boating up the estuary,2003

Plate 170:Audley Weir Pool: Rowboats in the freshwa-ter, 2003


Actions:Existing Facilities - Conservation, Interpretation and AdaptationB1 Consolidate and stabilize boat landing points along river edge.B2 Conserve soft edge condition habitat at non-landing points.

Removal WorksB3 Dredge to maintain adequate boating activity.B4 Periodically reduce aquatic plants that may inhibit adequate

boating activity.

New WorksB5 Consider permissibility and practicality of fishing in this

precinct (only after the Fishway is reinstated).B6 Improve accessibility to waterbody.

Allambie Ridge and Slopes

The left bank of the confluence is associated with known Aboriginaloccupation sites and handmarks in caves below the ridgeline ofunknown age (Shellshear et al 1930).

This area above the confluence was later chosen as the best vantagepoint by Lord Audley in 1860s and became the initial site ofdevelopment by the Park Trustees. At this time it was known as“The Camp” with structures evolving from pavilion known as “TheRest” to a major public facility as “Allambie House”.

As a precinct, Allambie has exceptional heritage value because itcontains a number of existing heritage buildings and plantings alongwith archaeological remnants, such as the sites of the formerTrustee’s cottage, post office cottage (in situ), former district office,terraces, car park (former stable site), lookout, war memorial, garagesite, and many associated cultural plantings dating from the inter-war period (1920-1938). The rich physical evidence at Allambie,including the archaeology make it an important location forinterpretation of the history of Audley and associated approaches.The recommendations are aimed at developing this potential. Theyalso address the associated issues of wayfinding and visitor accessand safety in this precinct.

from top:

Plate 171:Allambie Ridge and Slopes: Former AllambieHouse and ‘The Rest’ site, 2003

Plate 172:Allambie Ridge and Slopes: Sandstone stepsby lookout to former stables and garage site,2003

Plate 173:Allambie Ridge and Slopes: Lookout, 2003


Actions:Existing Facilities - Conservation, Interpretation and Adaptation

C1 Adapt Post Office cottage, garden, street frontage, andfootprint (c. late 1800's as per CMP). Explore possibleadaptive reuses including researcher accommodation, fieldstudies, displays.

C2 Interpret Post Office cottage site.C3 Adapt former administration office. For example, as a Trust

and rangers administration office as a classroom/ research/interpretation facility.

C4 Interpret former stables site with seating and surfacetreatments

C5 Interpret former Trustees' cottage site.C6 Conserve lookout area and monument and maintain steps

and track along ridgeC7 Conserve war memorial 'Roll of Honour' and maintain steps

and track along ridge.C8 Interpret former Audley Road and Bridle Track such as with

images along the walking track.C9 Interpret line of old road and military track.C10 Interpret water tanks. For example, create a lookout with

images of past use.C11 Interpret terraced rockery gardens. Encourage indigenous

species and selectively remove invasive exotic species.C12 Reinstatement of significant views to river and vistas by

selectively thinning some post-fire wattle regrowth.C13 Adapt fabric of ranger's cottage/former office to new use

for interpretation of Audley Village


New WorksC14 Install traffic calming and new surface treatment from outside

of the Post Office on Audley road, as the northern entranceto Audley precinct, through to the extremity of the RangersSlope on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, as the southern entranceto the precinct.

C15 Include short-stay parking areas and access to cottage andpossible researcher's residence.

C16 Reconstruct an interpretation of 'The Rest' Pavilion as openpavilion structure.

C17 Interpret former uses and locations along new and old pathsand provide new paths.

C18 Include long-stay parking (with a connecting walking track)in the disused workship site, midway up Audley Road.

C19 Develop entry marker/statement on Audley Road north ofPost Office Cottage

C20 Upgrade furniture and signage facilitiesC21 Install traffic calming and new surface treatment between,

and associated with, the entrance’s statements.C22 Relocate public telephone to Dance Hall or other suitable

location e.g. near Allambie Flat turn-off.C23 Include roundabout at the weir for traffic calming and improve

safe vehicular access to Allambie Flat.C24 Install 40 km and/or 50 km speed signs in precinct with “caution

pedestrian” symbols and clear “pedestrian rights-of-way”.

Plate 174: Allambie Ridge and Slopes:Terraced slopes with former views to thewater, 2003.


Allambie Flat

Allambie Flat contains the 1938 boatshed, timber wharf and ramp,stairways, stone and concrete retaining walls, toilets, constructedpaths, and formed garden beds. The existing car park was constructedon the area of the former bowling green, tennis court, vegetablegarden, and orchard sites. The modified Flat has a built up levy on theformer bridge site to Kangaroo Flat. Exotic evergreen and deciduousplantings exist within Allambie Flat.

Today Allambie Flat has important recreational value associated withthe activity generated by the historic boatshed. The recommendationsinclude the conservation of the boatshed and focus on the recreationalvalue of Allambie Flat by concentrating on improved access and safety.

Actions:Existing Facilities - Conservation, Interpretation and AdaptationD1 Adapt and conserve boathouse shed (1938), explore

possible options for part of structure (such as restaurant,open pavilion, or boat building facility)

D2 Interpret former bowling green/tennis court/orchard/vegetable garden such as new grid planting to carpark.

D3 Conserve and adapt walking tracks along the waters edgeand the stairway leading to boatshed from Audley Road downto the “Weir Flat” part of Allambie Flat.Conserve and adapt stairway to boatshed from road.

D4 Conserve a balance of non invasive exotic and indigenous plantings.

New WorksD5 Provide pedestrian connections to Allambie RidgeD6 Improved pedestrian access integrated with weir (designs

to consider flood debris, pedestrian safety, fishway andtraffic issues).

D7 Reconstruct bridge to Currawong Flat designed to withstandflooding.

D8 Reconfigure carparking adjacent to boatshedD9 Upgrade furniture, signage and facilities

from top:

Plate 175:Beside Audley Wier, 2003.

Plate 176:Allambie Flat: boatshed and former terracedrockeries, 2003

Plate 177 : (left)Allambie Flat: view from former Allambie Houseand ‘The Rest’ site, 2003

Plate 178: (right)Pavilion Flat: from across Audley Weir Pool,2003


Pavilion Flat

Pavilion Flat was simply known as 'the paddock' when it was firstused as a horse paddock. It has been a major focus of publicrecreation for Audley since the establishment of the weir. This Flatwas later named 'Bradley's Flat', then 'Pavilion Flat' and more recently'Ironbark Flat'. Commonwealth Pavilion (1901) and the former DanceHall/Kiosk (1945-48) are culturally significant built elements and theformed landscape contains culturally significant exotic andindigenous tree species such as Platanus, Washingtonia andEucalyptus species. Grey Ironbark, Eucalyptus paniculata, waspromoted here from the late 19th Century which led to the morerecent naming of the flat.

Along with Allambie Ridge and Slopes, Pavilion Flat is one of twoexceptionally significant precincts at Audley. The landscape andstructures at Pavilion Flat represent changing attitudes toward bothrecreation and conservation, and continues to be heavily used byvisitors. The recommendations focus on conserving the heritagevalues and at the same time improving and expanding visitor facilities.Actions:Existing Facilities - Conservation, Interpretation and AdaptationE 1 Conserve and interpret Commonwealth Pavilion (1901)

Improve / restore picnic furniture to the pavilionE 2 Modify earthworks and thin out selected plantings to reinstate

views to water from Dance Hall, Commonwealth Pavilion,grassed areas, and road.

E 3 Modify road and parking around southern edge of theCommonwealth Pavilion to improve curtilage and pedestriancirculation

E 4 Retain Winifred Falls Track and make safe the pedestriancrossing. Interpret its importance as the original track to thecoast. Conserve remnant fabric and reconstruct alignment.

E 5 Adapt and conserve Dance Hall to accommodate a café/kiosk with accessible toilet facilities (on lower level)and adapt external pavement for new uses such as anoutdoor café terrace.

E 6 Consider adaptive reuse potential of top floor of Dance Hall(for example functions/conferences/workshops/stalls andfairs/theatre performance space/indoor classroom/displays/exhibitions).

E 7 Modify angle parking to parallel, east of the toilet block forsafer access

E 8 Improve existing edges and provide suitable access to waterbody


Removal WorksE 9 Remove temporary kiosk.E 10 Remove senescing poplars and replace with appropriate

deciduous species.E 11 Consider adaptive reuse and partial removal of existing toilet

block to open up views to water from road

New WorksE 12 Carpark reconfigured to include bus and disabled access.E 13 New paving treatments for pedestrian and vehicle safety as

part of Sir Bertram Stevens Drive improvements.E 14 Provide new and accessible toilets in new structure on site

of temporary kioskE 15 Demolish existing toilet block and provide deck and viewing

areasE 16 Upgrade signage/entry markers.E 17 Upgrade furniture and facilities.E 18 Promote program of uses for Dance Hall

from top:

Plate 179:Pavilion Flat: toilet block and Dance Hall andKiosk building, 2003

Plate 180: (right)Ranger’s Slope: Southern approach from roadwith Rangers Cottage, 2003


Rangers Slope

Rangers Slope contains indigenous bushland, a cottage and a shed,cultural tree plantings and fencing associated with its nineteenthcentury setting. Rangers slope has steep landform and access islimited. The recommendations for Rangers Slope focus on maintaininglimited access, conserving the historic building and its landscapesetting as important evidence of the evolution of the park, andmanaging the vegetation to reduce fire hazards and weed infestation.

Actions:Existing Facilities - Conservation, Interpretation and AdaptionF 1 Conserve and interpret cottage and garden setting -

re-adapted for use such as ranger's residence, education/exhibition/club facilities.

F 2 Conserve and reconstruct fencing, retaining walls andplantings

F 3 Conserve remnant cultural plantingsF 4 Conserve bushland character beyond cottage curtilage.

Removal WorksF 5 Remove shed and replace with sympathetic structure and

setting

New WorksF 6 Reduce visual impact of shed with screen planting


Currawong Flat

Currawong Flat has formerly been associated with zoologicalexperimentation and previously known as Robertsons Grove. Itwas the site where fauna research, acclimatisation and speciesintroduction occurred including an aviary (later relocated ontoPavilion Flat). Araucaria tree species were planted around the entryto the aviary and have cultural significance making the general siteof zoological experimentation. Varney Bridge, built in 1935 and rebuiltin 1993, connects Currawong Flat to Pavilion Flat over the HackingRiver and Lady Carrington Drive and allow vehicular access to theleft bank of the Audley Weir Pool.

Currawong Flat presents an important opportunity to interpret thehistorical association of the park with the Acclimatisation Society; tointegrate pedestrian circulation throughout Audley and to articulatethe historic parkland character of Audley. The recommendationsaddress these opportunities as well as the need to improve parkingand picnic facilities. Weed infestation, fire and flood hazards arealso addressed.

Actions:Existing Facilities - Conservation, Interpretation and AdaptationG 1 Interpret site of former aviary as part of earlier acclimatisation

attempts and encourage 'wildlife encounters' with emphasison birds.

G 2 Conserve parkland character.G 3 Conserve existing edges and provide suitable access to

water body.G 4 Conserve and maintain Varney BridgeG 5 Reconstruct former track to proposed bridge to Allambie Flat,

link and use as walking track.G 6 Integrate and link walking tracks from Audley to Heathcote,

Waterfall, Wattle forest and Robertsons Knoll loop track withother tracks, flats and roads.

G 7 Conserve Araucaria plantings and replace senescentspecimens with same or similar species.

Removal WorksG 8 Continue to remove invasive weed species.

New WorksG 9 Reconfigure northern carpark.G 10 Reconfigure southern carpark.G 11 Upgrade furniture and signage facilities.G 12 Install new gas barbecues.G 13 Install picnic shelters.

from top:

Plate 181:Currawong Flat: view from Allambie Flatacross Kangaroo Creek, 2003

Plate 182:Currawong Flat: view from Pavilion Flat acrossAudley Weir Pool, 2003


Willow Tree Flat And Fig Tree Flat

This Flat was planted with exotic vegetation of which the Willowsand Figs are remnants. Willow Flat and Fig Tree Flat contain apavilion structure, gravel car park, open grassed areas with maturepredominantly native tree plantings, views to Hacking River, woodbarbeques and a toilet block. Willow Tree Flat is now the pedestrianentry to Lady Carrington Drive (9.6kms), the original 1880's roadwhich winds its way south along the river. The northern part ofWillow Tree Flat contributes to the visual and spatial structure of theAudley Core area.

Like Currawong Flat, these areas are characterized by a parklandsetting and offer the potential to improve pedestrian circulationthrough Audley. They are also quiet areas well used for picnicking.The recommendations aim to conserve this character, improve thepoor condition of Willow Tree Flat, and develop a stronger identityfor Willow Tree Flat as the access point to Lady Carrington Drive.

Actions:Existing Facilities - Conservation, Interpretation and AdaptationH 1 Maintain/restore soft edges to water and reduce selected

shrub plantings for better accessibility to waterH 2 Adapt 'Parkland' quality of formed flats to reduce ponding

and drainage issues by grading landform and improving soilquality where possible

Removal WorksH 3 Remove selected invasive and senescent foreshore trees

and shrubs

New WorksH 4 Reconfigure carparking to maximize open space and screen

car parking areas as seen from Allambie Flat and Slopes.H 5 Upgrade entrance, signage, bicycle, and pedestrian access

to Lady Carrington Drive.H 6 Upgrade furniture, facilities and signage.H 7 Install gas barbecues.H 8 Construct footbridge linking to Kookaburra Flat at lowest

terrain points.

Kangaroo Flat

Kangaroo Flat was accessible via a pedestrian bridge to AllambieFlat in the early to late 1900s. Kangaroo Flat was the site of a dairyand aquatic bird breeding ground during the Trust period. The former“cygnet ponds” are noted on the masterplan diagrams. Bridge andpath access led on past these ponds to the Trustees’ bathing placein Kangaro Creek.

from top:

Plate 183:Willow Tree and Fig Tree Flat: view over Wil-low Tree Flat carpark to Audley Weir Pool

Plate 184:Willow Tree and Fig Tree Flat: view overcarpark, 2003

Plate 185:Willow Tree and Fig Tree Flat: grassy flats


Today, Kangaroo Flat has been recolonised by indigenous riparianvegetation over formerly cleared areas and tracks. Habitat for waterbirdshas developed, and the footbridge from Allambie Flat long-gone afterfloodwaters swept it away. There is little justification and support toreinstate the footbridge to this flat nor clear the regenerated area forrecreational usage. The natural values of this flat will remain comfortablyisolated from human interference.

Section 2.2.1 describes the waterbirds that find tranquil breedinghabitat in the reeds in the right bank of Kangaroo Creek.

Kangaroo Flat once played an important role in the history of Audley butwill remain excised from the rest of the picnic flats, accessible still forpassive pursuits such as boating and birdwatching. The revised actionfor this masterplan is to conserve, protect and remotely interpret thenatural and cultural features of this Flat.

Actions:Existing Facilities - Conservation, Interpretation and AdaptationI 1 Maintain/restore soft edges to waters edge and encourage

regeneration of waterbird habitat by deliberate non-promotionof pedestrian visitor access.

Dock Flat (Causeway Flat/ Bus Stop Flat)

Dock Flat, modified significantly since the late 1800s, was formerlya ferry dock (later filled in) and formed one of the early landingpoints to access Audley. Sandstone sea walls, sandstone stairsand platforms, and evidence of retaining walls suggest this areawas highly modified particularly following storm and flooding damage.A bus stop/waiting shed structure was located on the left bank ofAudley Weir. This flat also contained a boatshed at its downstreamextremity. The trackhead for the Honeymoon Track is located here,leading to and from the Royal National Park rail station and VisitorCentre above, providing the main safe pedestrian route to Audley.

from top:

Plate 186:View to steep terrain between Currawong Flatand Kangaroo Flat, from Allambie Flat, 2003.

Plate 187:Kangaroo Flat: view of Kangaroo Creek bendfrom Lookout on Allambie Ridge, 2003


It is a very significant and well-trod path for walkers, joggers, andschool students. Joggers use this track as part of a circuit fromSutherland and/or Grays Point. Tram users use this path to accessAudley, and beyond, into the Park. The Environmental EducationCentre and NPWS Discovery Rangers regularly lead large groupsthrough natural bushland to the river via this Track, and use DockFlat as a regrouping area and staging post for their activities andfocus upon Audley’s natural and cultural assets. (EEC submission,2004).

On the Flat, some remnant cultural plantings of ornamental species areevident and a London Plane Tree (Platanus x hybrida) dominates thecarpark area, affording shade to picnickers. Other less friendly speciesof invasive ‘garden escapees’ are systematically removed by bushregeneration volunteers and staff. Visitor circulation and pedestriansafety near the weir are important concerns at Dock Flat.

Actions:Existing Facilities - Conservation, Interpretation and Adaptation

J 1 Interpret former Dock and Bus Stop waiting shed/pavilion.For example, paving, clues to former use, or seating

J 2 Conserve sandstone seawall and stairsJ 3 Construct ferry wharf associated with former Dock as

previously identified item numberJ 4 Redefine connection to Honeymoon Track

New WorksJ 5 Construct a platform near the former bus stop designed to

withstand flooding and structural stability for appropriatenumber of viewers (as per A 6)

J 6 Introduce paving treatment for pedestrian crossing pointsfor road traffic calming

J 7 Upgrade toilet block facilities including pathway connectionsJ 8 Upgrade furniture, signage and facilitiesJ 9 Improve carpark area and introduce screen / shade planting

from top:

Plate 188:Dock Flat: by Audley Weir, 2003

Plate 189:Dock Flat: view of carpark, 2003

Plate 190:Dock Flat: from the weir section of AllambieFlat, 2003


Pool Flat and Slopes

Pool Flat is the earliest developed area prior to the establishment ofthe National Park. During the late 1800s Pool Flat contained manyhouse sites. The creek from Pool Slopes was dammed, waitingsheds constructed, a fish ladder to the freshwater was installed aswere toilet facilities, a number of jetties, a formed beach, sandstonesea walls, open grassland, a bridge to Reid's Flat, and a nettedswimming enclosure. Today Pool Flat is most popular for peoplearriving in boats and for fishing, picnics, and walking.

Conservation work at Pool Flat encompasses the interpretation ofarchaeological remains and reconstruction of missing elements as ameans of re-introducing historic recreational activities. Therecommendations also consider the improvement of visitor accessand facilities.

Actions:Existing Facilities - Conservation, Interpretation and AdaptionK 1 Interpret archaeological sites including former dressing

sheds, cottage sites and existing damK 2 Partial reconstruction of swimming enclosure and associated

beach area, including shark net

Reconstruction and RestorationK 3 Reconstruct pontoon for ferry access as per item number

A1 (Hacking Estuary)K 4 Reconstruct stone seawall

Removal WorksK 5 Remove and replace senescent treesK 6 Improve pedestrian access from weir

New WorksK 7 Upgrade signage, furniture and picnic facilities

from top:

Plate 191:Pool Flat and Slopes: grassy flat, 2003

Plate 192:Pool Flat and Slopes: sea wall detail, 2003

Plate 193:Pool Flat and Slopes: view from former housesites on Pool Slopes, 2003


Reids Flat and Slopes

Reids Flat and Slopes contain two culturally significant house sites,open grass, car parking, formed sandstone seawalls and rubblesea walls, a track to Riverside Flat and Gray's Point, gas barbeques,and toilet facilities. It previously contained various boatsheds and apublic jetty. Reid's Flat is currently a popular picnic area and providesgood access for upstream kayaks, boats and a popular walkingtrack to Wants Beach.

The recommendations address Reids Flat's current popularity forwater based access and activity as well as the opportunity to extendthe experience of Audley from day visits to overnight stays.Actions:Existing Facilities - Conservation, Interpretation and Adaptation

L 1 Adapt existing cottage for possible short-stayaccommodation or as staff residence. Interpret other formercottage site

L 2 Interpret former jettyL 3 Conserve natural parkland landscape characterL 4 Consider reconstruction of jetty to enhance recreation

access to left bank

New WorksL 5 Stabilise beach and sea wallsL 6 Upgrade of signage, furniture and picnic facilitiesL 7 Improve carpark area and introduce screen / shade planting

from top:

Plate 194:Reid’s Flat: view over Hacking Estuary fromCarpark, 2003

Plate 195:Reid’s Flat: grassy flats, 2003


Kookaburra Flat And Wattle Forest

Kookaburra Flat, Audley's southern most recreational Flat has aninformal parkland character and contains a toilet block, woodbarbeques, picnic tables, car parking, a picnic shelter, and openspace along the Hacking River. At Wattle Forest there is an informalpath along the river within a Cabbage Tree Palm forest. KookaburraFlat is popular for large groups in the picnic shelter with informalgames on the flat grassy area, and smaller, quieter picnics along theriverbanks.

Recommendations here are derived from a concern to protect thebiodiversity of Wattle Forest while retaining the use of KookaburraFlat as a picnic area.

Actions:Existing Facilities - Conservation, Interpretation and AdaptationM 1 Reduce car parking adjacent to pavilion to increase

recreational space and scenic amenityM 2 Conserve woodland character adjacent to Flats

New WorksM 3 Upgrade furniture, facilities, signage, and pavilionM 4 Consider new pavilion/toilet facilitiesM 5 Construct footbridge across to Fig Tree Flat at lowest point

in terrain, designed to endure flood waters and debrisM 6 Encourage bird watching activities through improved signage

and facilities - promote with local birdwatching clubM 7 Install gass barbecues

from top:

Plate 196:Kookaburra Flat: grassy picnic area, 2003

Plate 197:Kookaburra Flat: view from Lady CarringtonDrive, 2003


AUDLEY APPROACHES

The approaches were integral to the development of Audley and theRoyal National Park as a whole. One can approach Audley by road,rail, walking/cycle tracks or waterways, including:1. Road access - north via Farnell Avenue, south via Sir Bertram

Stevens Drive2. Train access from Sutherland or Loftus stations on Illawarra line3. Tram access from Sydney Tram Museum into Royal National

Park station4. Cycle tracks along Rawson Avenue, Florence Parade, Riverside

Drive, Loftus Trig Fire-trail and Lady Carrington Drive5. Walking Tracks - from Engadine, Uloola, Robertsons Knoll,

Winifred Falls, and all cycle-routes mentioned6. Water - Port Hacking estuary, or from upstream heads-of-

naivagation on both Kangaroo Creek and Hacking River

ActionsOf these approaches, the following require specific managementfocus and action:

Rawson AvenueAs the earliest access road into Audley from Sutherland Railway Stationthere is an opportunity to conserve its alignment, and use as the mainwalking and cycling approach to Audley and other areas of Royal. It isthe safest non-car access and is part of a circuit of tracks in theTemptation Creek and Grays Point reaches of the Park. Rawson Avenuealso functions as a fire management trail and requires 4WD vehicularaccess and lockable gates at each end.

Actions:N 9 Interpret as early access road to AudleyN 10 Conserve alignment and adapt as walking trackN 11 Conserve and interpret non-invasive ornamental plantings

Rail Link into Royal National ParkOriginally set out for Military access onto Loftus Heights the currentrail/tram link was used as a suburban branch line off the main Illawarraline until 1980s. In 2004, access to the Royal National Park is affordedvia the private Sydney Tram Museum (at Loftus) that operates regularweekend rides into the Park.

Gardeners Cottage, Garage and Tram-ShedsThis remnant group of buildings is associated with transportation fromthe National Park to Audley, as the site where shuttle buses departedfrom and were stored and serviced. They are currently in a dilapidatedand unstable state and require immediate attention to fully documentand remove.

from top:

Plate 198:Audley Approaches: rail link, 2003

Plate 199:Audley Approaches: Gardener’s cottage andgarage, 2003


Terminus PrecinctThe station was originally a further 200m beyond the current site butwas contracted with the 1987 construction of the NPWS Headquarters.It previously serviced suburban trains, initially a separate motor railbranch line then later was electrified.

Its platform height reflects this use which ceased operation in the1980s. The platform now is effectively defunct as it services muchsmaller trams, and remains at an unusable height. Tram travellersrequire assistance to exit the carriage safely on the grassy knoll onthe non-platform side. There is an opportunity to readdress this.

The previous Park Headquarters are now the Sydney South RegionalOffice and Royal Area Office for the NPWS. The Royal Visitors Centreis also sited here, since it’s shift from the Dance Hall in 1996. TheDepartment of Education and Training are also housed here for theirEnvironmental Education Centre (previous Field Studies centre) andhave been since 1988.

Zig Zag TrackThe Zig Zag track was formed to create an access between theNational Park Station and Port Hacking Estuary. It requiresreconstruction and interpretation.

Actions:N 4 Interpret branch line to service past military useN 5 Jointly upgrade features with Sydney Tramway Museum (e.g

signal boxes, culverts, platform)N 6 Review condition of Gardeners Cottage, Garage and Sheds

with the view to documentation and removalN 7 Conserve identified landscape features in Gardeners

precinctN 8 Consider adaptive reuse of site as a carpark facility with

‘Park and Ride’ opportunity for reinstated shuttle bus serviceand links with tram ride

N 9 Upgrade signage and facilities at the stationN 10 Restore fabric of terminus to original configuration consistent

with entrance experience by car; interpret including signage,arrival message, directional markers to visitor centre, furnituredesign, vegetation management, pathway to visitor centre

N 11 Improve links to existing walking tracks (to Grays Pt,Honeymoon Track, Zig Zag Track)

N 12 Integrate Enviromental Education Centre and the Visitors centre with the rail approach

N 13 Reconstruct the Zig Zag Track and interpret

Farnell AvenueFarnell Avenue was created for better access into the park withoutconflicting with the railway easement. Its name commemorates aprominent Trustee who advocated the extension of the avenue oftrees (Brush Box and Radiata Pine’s) to mirror that along RawsonAvenue from Sutherland. Other plantings of Moreton Bay Figs werestrategically positioned along the rail and road easements.

From top:

Plate 200:Audley Approaches: Farnell Avenue entrystatement, 2003

Plate 201:Audley Approaches: Royal National Park Rail-way Station showing tram usage, 2003


Farnell Avenue receives the brunt of traffic entering the Royal andaccess traffic for residents and visitors to Bundeena, Maianbar,and the Port Hacking Conference Centres on Warumbul Point. Itrequires a general rethink for traffic flow enhancement. It alsorequires notification space for flood waters across the Audley weir,and advance notice of day-use areas being at full capacity - with eachproviding turn-around options for drivers to re-assess alternativeaccess. Farnell Avenue is the point of entry for all NPWS staff as wellas for heavy plant and fire management vehicles.

Military GroundsA 19th century military encampment, review ground, and dam wereestablished on Loftus Heights plateau. The encampment was west ofFarnell Avenue and the review ground east of Farnell Avenue.

N 14 Replace avenue plantings using indigenous treesN 15 Conserve significant vegetationN 16 Better traffic management - relocate the ‘flood indicator and

boom-gate’ to nearer the Princes Highway end of FarnellAvenue and construct a roundabout at this point for LoftusOval users wishing to head north and for Park visitors whenweir is flooded

N 17 Better traffic management - relocate the ‘day-use areanotice-board’ to 100m short of works depot turnoff andconstruct a second roundabout at this point for traffic tochose alternative access to their destination (and forunimpeded workshop access via a slip road as per currententrance station configuration)

N 18 Interpret former entry to military encampment


Port Hacking EstuaryThe approach via Port Hacking is popular with visitors by motorisedand manual watercraft. Access terminates at Audley Weir. Thisapproach precinct includes the weir, the estuarine landscape, culturallysignificant training and sea walls, Reids Flat and Wants Beach, PoolFlat, Riverside Drive and Riverside Flat. It is an important aspect of thevisual setting and requires conservation. In addition tracks, signagerequire attention to improve pedestrian access and circulation.

Actions:N 19 Conserve natural landscape setting of Port Hacking valley.N 20 Improve signage and entry approachesN 21 Conserve tracks and flatsN 22 Recover former tracksN 23 Conserve training walls

From top:

Plate 202:Audley Approaches: Hacking River Estuaryand training walls, 2003

Plate 203:Audley Approaches: Hacking River Estuaryby Riverside Track, 2003


From top:

Plate 204:Audley Approaches: Lady Carrington Drive,southern entry, 2003

Lady Carrington DriveOriginally starting at Audley Weir, Lady Carrington Drive was the earliestaccess through to Bulli, Wollongong and the South Coast. Today it iscontracted to a 9.6km stretch parallel to the Hacking River from near theCommonwealth Pavilion to Bola Creek and the Forest Island.. It containsheritage listed features such as formed sandstone walls, kerbing, paving,water troughs and entry pillars in a scenic setting of tall forest merginginto rainforest along the Hacking River. It is exceptionally significant andlinked to Audley and requires conservation work and interpretation.Actions:N 24 Conserve and interpret features of Drive including Jersey

Springs, boxed culverts, sandstone retaining walls, PalonaCave track marker, Walumarra track marker, gravel borrow pit

N 25 Conserve southern entry and gateway and upgrade signageand fixtures

N 26 Reconfigure and define carparking arrangements at both endsand ensure safe bus access and parking

N 27 Integrate with other tracks and features including PalonaCave, Walumarra Track, Forest Path, Couranga, and UloolaTrack

N 28 Clearly define northern entrance (refer action H5)

Winifred Falls Track (to former Wattomolla Road)Significant historic access from Audley to the coast, this trackrequires conservation works, integration and interpreation.

Actions:N 29 Conserve and reconstruct track entry at Audley as for Pavilion

Flat (refer action E4)N 30 Integrate with other tracksN 31 Integrate walk with probable destinations including Winifred

Falls, Anise Falls, Maianbar, Bonnie Vale, Bundeena, Marley,Wattamolla.

N 32 Make safe pedestrian access to trackhead


5.3 Masterplan(see A3 fold outs)


Bibliography

Anyon-Smith, S. Birdwatching in Royal & Heathcote National Parks, 2001, NSW NPWSbooklet.

Australia ICOMOS The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance (BurraCharter) Australia ICOMOS,Canberra.

Benson,D. and Howell, J. Taken for Granted: The Bushland of Sydney and its Suburbs,Kangaroo Press, Sydney1990.

Brooks Graham and Associates P.L, Ian Perkins Consulting Services, Mary Dallas ConsultingArchiaeologists, Spackman & Mossop Landscape Architects and Dana Mider HistoricalArchaeologist NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service(Dec 2001) 190p document Royal NationalPark Coastal Cabins Areas Conservation Management Plan ISBN 0 7310 7678 8 .

Canales,R.,et al. “Former Audley Post Office Cottage Conservation Management Plan”,University of Sydney, 2000.

Cardy, R., et al. “Audley Boatshed:Royal National Park Conservation Management Plan”,University of Sydney, 2000.

Carter,K and Bourke,K. “ Historical Study of Gardener’s Cottage and Garage. Royal NationalPark”, UNSW History and Research project, 1993.

Coleman, V. NSW Heritage Office Cultural Landscape Charette, Background Paper, locatedat: http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/cultland, viewed 28 September 2003.

Conybeare Morrison & Partners, ‘Draft Centennial Parklands Conservation Management Plan’,vol 1, Centennial Parklands Trust, Sydney, 2002.

Cox, J. et al “The Excavation of a Rock Shelter at Audley, Royal National Park, NSW”,Archaeology and Physiology in Anthropology, Oceania, pp. 94-104, nd.

Elwell,T.D. An Offical Guide to the National Park of NSW, Sydney 1893, Facsimile, 1979.

Fairly, A. A Field Guide to the National Parks of New South Wales, Rigby, Sydney, 1978.

Goldstein, W. ‘“Royal National Park”, NSW Government Printer, Sydney, 1976.

Graham Brookes & Associates et al, ‘Royal National Park Coastal Cabin Areas DraftConservation Management Plan’, Located at: http://nsw.npws.gov.au. Viewed July 2003.

Kerr, J.S. The Conservation Plan, 5th ed., NSW National Trust, Sydney, 2000.

Laws, K.J., “Land Use Change in the Royal National Park”, Geography Bulletin, Journal of theGeography Teachers’ Association Vol.13 No1, March 1981.

McDonald, B. et al, “Royal National Park Audley Conservation Plan” Vols,1 & 2, 1987.


Mulvaney. D. J, 1975, The Prehistory of Australia revised Edition, Penguin Books Ltd

National Park Trust, Annual Reports, 1883 – 1967.

NSW NPWS, Atlas of NSW Wildlife, Located at: http://wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.Viewed 8 August 2003.

NSW NPWS, Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park and Garawarra State RecreationArea Plan of Management, NSW NPWS, Hurstville, 2000.

NSW NPWS, “Draft Fire Management Plan for Royal National Park, Heathcote National Parkand Garawarra State Recreation Area”, NSW NPWS, Hurstville, 2002.Pettigrew, C, and Lyons, M., “ Royal National Park: A History “, in W.Goldstein (ed.),Australia’s 100 years of National Parks, NPWS, Sydney, 1979.

Organ Michael, 1990, A Documentary History of the Illawarra and South Coast Aborigines, 1770-1850, Aboriginal Education Unit, Wollongong University.

Perumal Murphy Wu, Sutherland Shire Heritage Study, report prepared for Sutherland ShireCouncil, 1993.

Pettigrew, C, and Lyons, M., “Royal National Park: A History”, in W. Goldstein (ed.),Australia’s 100 years of national parks, NPWS, Sydney, 1979.

Shellshear JL, McCarthy FD, Bramell E, May 5 1936, Archaeological Reconnaisance to PortHacking, Anthropology Department, University of Sydney.

Sheridan et al. 1999, “Easter 1999 Visitor Surveys Blue Mountains, Royal and Ku-ring-gaiChase National Parks: a brief overview”, report prepared by UWS, Hawkesbury & NSWNational Parks and Wildlife Service Sydney.

Thomas, M. Moving Landscapes; national parks and the Vietnamese experience, NSWNPWS and Pluto Press, Annandale, 2002.

Thomas, M. A Multicultural Landscape: national parks and the Macedonian experience, NSWNPWS, Hurstville, 2001.

Thorvaldson,F., Royal National Park. An Illustrated Pocketbook, printed by the author,Sydney, 1978.


Appendices

A. Burton, C. Outline History. 167

B. NPWS, 1998, Historic Heritage Management System (NPWS), Statement of Significancefrom Listing of Audley Village, Item ID 2125. 171

C. Brian McDonald et al, Statement of Significance from Audley Conservation Plan, publishedreport prepared for NSW NPWS (1987). 173

D. Masson Wilson Twiney, Audley Master Plan Traffic Review, unpublished report prepared forNSW NPWS (August 2003). 175

E. 3-D Projects, Audley Interpretation Strategy, unpublished report prepared for NSW NPWS(August 2003). 183

F. Morton, A. (Earthscape Horticultural Services) Tree Hazard Assessment Royal NationalPark, Audley, unpublished report prepared for NSW NPWS (August 2003). 193

G. Stone, C. Summary of Participant Discussion, unpublished report prepared for NSW NPWS(July 2003). 203

H. Stratcorp Consulting, An Assessment of Recreational Uses in Audley — Research andRecommendations, unpublished report prepared for NSW NPWS (August 2003). 211

I. Audley Open Day Questionnaire 223

J. NPWS, Friday June 20th 2003, Audley Masterplan, Community Consultation,NPWS Staff Forum. 227

K. NPWS, Fauna species list for species found at Audley. 235

L. Thorp Wendy, 1987, Inventory of Archaeological Items, from 1987 ConservationPlan for Audley. 237

M. NPWS, April 2004, List of Submissions Received during Public Exhibition Periodof Draft Audley Masterplan. February 22 - April 18, 2004. 247

N. NSW Department of Commerce, 2004, Audley Sewerage Scheme - AudleyPrecinct Sewer Transfer, NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (2 plans). 249

O. Criteria for the Register of the National Estate 251

P. Action Plan - Costings 253


APPENDIX A: OUTLINE HISTORY

Circa 8000 years bp Aboriginal occupation.1796 Mathew Flinders publishes an account of Port Hacking.1864 First accurate survey of Hacking River by Lord Audley.1874 Survey s for proposed Illawarra Railway line.1879 National Park dedicated 26 April.1879 First meeting of Trustees 25 September.1883 Dam at Main Camp (Audley) Dock and Training Walls Port Hacking below dam.1883 Pavilion, Caretaker’s Cottage, stables, outhouses, Smithy and Forge, Boat house and

Jetty.Roads, Clearing Flats, Clearing Loftus Heights for Military Ground.

1884 Audley adopted as name for the Main Camp area.Exotic freshwater fish introduced.Serpentine walk from Loftus Heights to the estuary (zig zag walk)Ornamental tree planting

1885 Deer introduced1886 Loftus (National Park) Railway Station opened1886 Lady Carrington Road opened 2 October ( named Drive in 1916)1887 Dam and Reservoir at Loftus Heights.

Hotel at LoftusRoad from Lofus Junction to Loftus StationCottages for rangers, working overseer, carpenter and labourers.

1888 Military Road completed between Loftus Junction and Loftus Heights.3,700 trees planted some in groups and as an avenue between sutherland and LoftusJunction to create a drive.

1891 Death of John Robertson1891 Windmill erected at Audley

Kangaroo Creek Bridge built to link the Camp with Robertson GroveRecreation grounds (flats and points) grassed and fenced.Four cottages built for park employees.Kitchen added to Public Pavilion.

1892 Jersey Spring Troughs on Lady Carrington Road1893 Aviary built at Robertson Grove ( 150ft x 200ft x 12ft )

Boatshed builtStone retaining wall built to front of Pavilion

1894 Windmill removed to the Aviary and replaced by a boiler and engine.New Stables built

1895 Varney bridge builtBrick and concrete reservoir built to supply the Pavilion.

1897 7 acres of Fruit trees (400) planted at Audley.1898 New Varney bridge built.

Concrete pond for birds builtRoad from Station to Audley widened and improved

1899 Telephone line opened1900 School built at Wauf’s Beach ( Reids Flat)1901 Pavilion Shelter at Bradley’s Flat Audley ( Commonwealth Pavilion)1902 Stone sea wall constructed below the dam.1903 Wharf built below dam.1904 Pathway from Railway Station to Audley

Launches co-ordinated with trains to give access to Deer Park and WarumbulBoatshed at Reid’s Flat

1906 Land cleared at Loftus for cricket and football field.


1907 Avenue plantation of 900 trees planted between Loftus and National Park Stations and1200 trees planted on the upper road between National Park and Loftus Stations.

1908 Bathing Sheds and enclosures for simmers in salt water at Audley and new road calledRiver Parade.Four octagonal shelters erected at Reid’s Flat.

1913 Flower beds made and enclosed.Ranger’s CottagePicket fences enclose Stables and yard.

1914 Army Camps discontinued1915 Garage at Loftus built to transport passengers from national park Station to Audley.1916 “The Rest” opened 18 March.1916 Lady Carrington Road renamed as Lady Carrington Drive.1931 Dead trees in Lady Rawson Avenue replaced by Flame Trees.1934 Dredging of estuary and fill enabled extension of Flats.

Honeymoon Track commenced.1935 New bridge over Hacking River and road to Kookaburra Flat with new pavilion.1938 Tennis courts, bowling green and putting green constructed at Audley.

New Boatshed built“The Rest” renamed “Allambie House”.Road widened approaching Allambie House.Plant Nursery established at Audley

1939 New Aviary on Pavilion Flat.Rockery gardens formed below Allambie House.

1941 New stone toilet block constructedNew shop in Allambie HouseNew bridge over estuary

1942 Sharkproof net provided.1948 Newtwo storey pavilion completed with a shop on the lower ground floor with a Restau

rant and Social Hall on the upper floor.1950 New Causeway constructed.

City Water supply provided.1954 Park now called Royal National Park 30 April.

Willow trees planted on picnic areas (Flats)1956 Tramways Museum established.

Children’s playground installed at Reid’s Flat.1957 Trustee’s Office constructed ( Mr R.I. Harding Architect)1959 New Shelter Shed and Toilets at Wattle Flat1961 Concrete retaining wall between Bus Waiting Shed and Salt water Boat Shed.1962 New Superintendent’s residence built near the National Park Railway Station and new

cottage for the Assistant Superintendent on the site of the old Superintendent’s cottage.1963 Toilet block at Willow Tree Flat.1965 Brush Box and Silky Oak trees planted as an entrance avenue to the Park along Farnell

Avenue.Removal of Trust Cottage.

1967 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service established.1975 Demolition of Allambie House1978 New Kiosk at Ironbark Flat ( design by Leonard Morgan)1978 Visitor Centre on plateau edge (design by Leonard Morgan/ Bruce Eales)1987 Audley Conservation Plan1988 Rip rap stone edging to Ironbark Flat ( formerly Pavilion Flat)

Timber wharf structuresNew parking areas to Flats

1998 Earth works to Ironbark Flat


APPENDIX B:Previous Statements of SignificanceSHR, listing number 00976, April 1999. HHIMS Historic Heritage Management System (NPWS), 1998?

Name: Audley Village; Item ID 2125; Type=Complex;‘Audley Village contains physical evidence of the major phases of recreational and conservation managementpractices which have influenced the development of the Royal National Park. It retains its traditional role as thefocal point of visitation to the Park, and its buildings and structures reflect and symbolise the historic developmentof the Park, such that associations with historical events and people are commonly focussed on this area. Italso contains remains and archaeological sites of associational significance to the Park. It has scenic qualitiesboth and built and riverside flats have a high recreational utility and popularity.


APPENDIX CBrian McDonald et al, Statement of Significance from Audley Conservation Plan published report prepared forNSW NPWS (1987).

McDonald, B. 1987, ‘Royal National Park Audley Conservation Plan,’ vol 1, Public Works Department, NSW,Sydney.

From section 6, Statement of Cultural Significance, pp. 41-42

The Audley precinct at the Royal National Park derives its cultural significance from the following sources:1. The Audley precinct embodies physical evidence of the major recreation and conservation attitudes whichinfluences the development of the National Park. These evolved here first, and later had broader and significantimplications for the management of National Parks resources throughout Australia. The Royal National Parkwas the forerunner of all the National Parks which have subsequently been dedicated.

2. It derives a high level significance from its historical and social significance as the main point of entry andfocal point of the first National Park in Australia and the second national Park in the world. It has providedaccommodation for a fluctuating work staff over its period o f existence and facilities for generations ofpicnickers, walkers and others seeking recreational outlet away from the city.

3. The Park has been closely associated with influential public figures and political leaders, including somethe Chairmen of the Trust. The most notable of the influential figures associated with the Park is Sir JohnRobertson, who is acknowledged as the founder of the Park, and who was its first Trust Chairman.

4. The Audley precinct contains archaeological resources of associational significance related tot the use ofthe site for administrative and recreational purposes. These resources taken together reflect the fact that inthe late 19th century and early this century the site accommodated a much larger population than in recenttimes.

5. The location is significant as the campsite selected by Lord Audley as a base for his survey of the PortHacking River, a selection very likely to have been influenced by the particular landscape characteristics ofthe point where the valley opens out at the junction of Port Hacking River and Kangaroo Creek.


APPENDIX DMasson Wilson Twiney, Audley Master Plan Traffic Review, unpublished report prepared for NSW NPWS(August 2003).


M A S S O N W I L S O N T W I N E Y

T R A F F I C A N D T R A N S P O R T C O N S U L T A N T S

Facsimile

To: Cc: Name: Company: Facsimile:

Michael Milligan Context Landscape Design 9380 8666

From: Total Pages: Job Number: Date:

Jason Rudd 03-2020 15 May 2006

Subject: Audley Conservation Management and Master Plan - Traffic Study

Message:

Michael, The following provides an overview of the traffic investigations undertaken to date in relation to the Audley Conservation Management and Master Plan. This overview comments on the strategic issues involved in the master planning for Audley in relation to:

traffic flow

car parking; and

pedestrian movements

This overview also reviews and comments on the design proposals for Audley developed by Context Landscape Design. Strategic Issues Traffic Flow

Audley is located on a designated main road (MR 393) which is named in various sections as Farnell Avenue, Audley Road and Sir Bertram Stevens Drive.

MR 393 provides access to the areas of the Royal National Park (the Park) such as Audley, Wattamolla and Garie beaches and to the township of Bundeena.

As such MR 393 provides a dual function, namely:

o Main road access for through traffic

o Lower order access for to the recreational areas within the Park such as Audley.

20/809 Paci f ic HighwayChatswood NSW 2067

Tel: 02 9415 2844 Fax: 02 9415 2944

Emai l : info@mwttraf f ic .comWeb: www.mwttraf f ic .com


MR 393 is generally a two lane road (one lane in each direction).

The provision of two lane roads through the Park is considered to provide sufficient capacity for the levels of traffic using these roads. Any traffic congestion that occurs within the Park is typically associated with the demand for parking at key sites during peak periods.

Traffic flows through the Park along MR 393 vary significantly between week days (low) and weekend days (high). Weekend traffic flows are also typically higher on public holidays and fine summer days.

The circuitous route through the Park acts as a deterrent to through traffic other than traffic accessing the residential areas of Bundeena and Maianbar. As such the roads through the Park do not suffer from typical commuter peak hour traffic congestion.

The key issue with regard to traffic flows through Audley is not one of road capacity but rather control of vehicle speeds.

Currently, there are two different types of traffic flow through Audley, namely: o Through traffic o Traffic accessing the various parking areas at Audley

The two different types of traffic generate a degree of conflict as through traffic is perceived to be associated with relatively high vehicle speeds while Audley traffic is perceived to be slower and characterised by turning movements onto and off MR 393.

In designing the various road facilities along MR 393 the two road functions need to be taken into consideration.

In preparing a Master Plan for Audley it would be considered inappropriate to design the road to cater exclusively for the low frequency Audley based peak traffic events at the expense of through traffic functions. Conversely it is considered inappropriate to design the road to accommodate higher speed through movements at the expense of amenity of Audley precinct users.

It is considered that the Master Plan road design should aim to accommodate through traffic flows in a manner which vehicle speed can be managed so as to minimise the amenity and safety implications to all road users in the Audley precinct during the low frequency peak periods.

Audley Precinct

There is currently a lack of definition of the Audley Precinct. That is there is no sense of arrival at Audley when approaching from both the north and the south.

This lack of definition is considered to be one reason why vehicle speeds are perceived to be relatively high.

It is suggested that gateway treatments at both the northern and southern entrances to the Audley Precinct are required in order to provide drivers with the visual que that they have left the “open road” and are about to enter a higher activity area and need to adjust speed accordingly.


Parking Strategies

There are considered to be two different parking strategies that could be considered in the Audley Master Plan. These are:

o Centralised Parking

o Dispersed Parking

A centralised parking strategy would provide larger parking areas in fewer areas. This would have the advantages of:

o Reduced traffic movements through the precinct

o Allows better definition of parking areas and would be easier to direct people to parking.

o Promote increased pedestrian movements between recreational areas within the Audley precinct.

o However, it is noted that this strategy would not be compatible with the current recreational user type at Audley which is dominated by “car boot picnickers”.

A dispersed parking strategy would:

o Provides parking nearer to separate recreational areas

o Compatible with existing user types and existing parking layout (minimal changes required)

o Reduce potential pedestrian flows within the Audley precinct

o Requires improved directional signage at gateways to inform drivers of the parking opportunities at Audley.

Measures for Speed Control

The following are various speed control mechanisms which are worth considering when developing the Audley Master Plan:

o Provide gateway treatments at both the northern and southern road entrances to the Audley Precinct. This would include:

- Signage or landscape feature at entrance

- Road narrowing

- Reduced speed limits (consider 50km/h) with signs and pavement markings

o Highlight Audley activities such as the boat shed rather than hide then amongst vegetation to promote the perception that you are interacting with a high activity area and not simply a road through the bush.

o Introduce pedestrian crossings or threshold treatments to emphasis the activity precinct. Note: speed humps are not considered appropriate given the through road function.

o Utilise the geometry of the Audley Weir (ie. road curve) to facilitate reduced speed. The proposal to provide a roundabout at the northern side of the weir is supported and discussed further below. The proposal to reduce the carriageway to provide wider pedestrian facilities is also supported.


Comments on Design Proposals

Car Parking Areas at Former Stables & South of Existing Cottages

Both these areas would yield a small number of additional car parking (approximately 10 spaces in each area)

However, the cost associated with earthworks, road widening and realignment to facilitate turn bays and drainage would be relatively high.

The small size of the parking area would not be considered appropriate for visitor (public) parking as it would have the potential to generate a relatively high volume of turning movements to and from MR 393 at a location where sight distances are not ideal.

It is suggested that an entry / exit could be provided at the existing turn bay near the telephone booth for access to staff parking located between the existing cottages (Figure 1).

Right Turn Lane to Allambie Flat

The existing road width at this location would be insufficient to provide an appropriate right turn bay facility from MR 393 to Allambie Flat.

It is considered that a right turn bay is required due to poor sight distances for south bound vehicles approaching a vehicle stopped in MR 393 turning right.

Recommend that roundabout at Weir be used to facilitate access to Allambie Flat.

Audley Weir Treatments (Figure 2)

A roundabout at the northern end of the weir would facilitate access to both Allambie Flat and Reids Flat and function as a speed control device.

The roundabout design needs to consider turning requirements of heavy vehicles (ie. coaches)

Narrowing of the road pavement over the Weir and on the approaches is recommended. This will reduce travel speed, provide a separation between traffic and pedestrian flows and allow pedestrian facilities to be improved to encourage increased pedestrian use of the weir as a crossing point.

Pavilion Flat Car Park

Separate entry only and exit only driveways are recommended for this car park. The entry and exit points are to be located at opposite ends of the car park to facilitate one way traffic flow through the car park. One way flow will reduce internal traffic flow conflicts within the car park.

Designated turn bays from MR 393 to the car park are not recommended, as turning traffic will assist in reducing traffic speeds. Some queuing may occur as vehicles wait to turn right (and potentially Left) into the parking area. However, this will force through vehicles to slow or stop. Queuing is not expected outside of peak periods of activity at the Audley precinct.


Road pavement narrowing in this section of MR 393 would provide an opportunity to provide a pedestrian refuge facility to link the car park to walking tracks on the eastern side of the road.

The proposals prepared by Context to re-arrange parking in the Lady Carrington Drive / Currawong Flat area can be accommodated with adversely impacting safety or traffic flow.

Should you have any queries relating to the above overview, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Regards,

Jason Rudd Associate

Email: [email protected]


APPENDIX E3-D Projects, Audley Interpretation Strategy, unpublished report prepared for NSW NPWS (August 2003).


AUDLEY INTERPRETATION STRATEGY 3-D PROJECTS – DECEMBER 2003 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Since the dedication of the Royal National Park precinct in 1879, the site has been a battleground where the competing forces of conservation and utilisation have clashed time and time again. Despite the prominent purpose of the park as a place for public recreation within a natural setting - a constant throughout the site’s post-contact history - the changing policies and practices of park management and utilisation have dramatically transformed its natural flora, fauna and landscape. This process has seen much of the park mutate from rugged and dense native bushland to a cleared ornamental English parkland; has led to the construction of numerous cottages, roads and structures to facilitate public access, recreation and introduction of European flora and fauna; and in more recent decades has seen introduced species and structures removed and demolished in an attempt to return the site to its pre-contact appearance. The place today bears the layered physical marks of these competing regimes of conservation and utilisation, and indeed it is the place itself which constitutes the overriding interpretive theme for exploring the site’s past. Within the key theme of ‘place’ numerous over-lapping sub-themes are possible through which related issues, site remnants, histories and practices can be explored in detail. Given the imperative for visitors to experience the historic physical place – both natural and cultural - this strategy recommends that interpretation at Audley is interwoven with necessary visitor infrastructure wherever possible – picnic tables, car park bollards, seating, rubbish bins, etc. This approach is intended to reduce the amount of physical signage and visual clutter at Audley, but also to draw the casual park visitor into the layered history of the place while going about their social and recreational activities. THEMES Key Theme

Place – Audley/Royal National Park Sub-Themes

Conservation & Utilisation

Natural Environment – flora/fauna/geology

Indigenous Occupation

Disease & Environment – understanding disease & healthy recreation initiatives

Rest & Recreation

Landscape Modification

Introduction of European Plants & Animals


Acclimatisation

Exploitation of Natural Resources

Military Occupation

Quarrying, Dredging & Reclamation

Depression & Labour

Park Accessibility

Fire & Flood

Recreation & Multiculturalism METHODS OF INTERPRETATION Multiple Histories No matter what the actual media and methods of interpretation, it is recommended that themes and opinions expressed through interpretation are clearly based on and presented as multiple perspectives. While visitors can learn much from site-based interpretation, it is important to reiterate that a place with such a complex history can not be simply explained through a logical, concise narrative of what happened, where and when. Rather, a more open-ended, critical and plausible view of history demands that history is told from the disparate viewpoints of the site’s various past and present stakeholders – Park Trustee/administrator, scientist, Aboriginal occupant, conservationist, soldier, heritage practitioner, multicultural park visitor, etc. Place as Artefact The Royal National Park is not an untouched natural wilderness, but a layered cultural landscape, much of which retains native flora and fauna within its natural geological setting. The site contains discreet Aboriginal rock-art sites and rock shelters, while even the native bushland was likely shaped by millennia of Aboriginal intervention, as well as the more apparent remnants of European building, landscaping, roads, and introduced flora and fauna. All of these elements are culturally significant to various groups and individuals, though of course not to the same extent. Given that the entire place can be considered an artefact, it is recommended that physical interpretation be integrated with significant elements in ways which encourage visitors to explore the wider site and consider its many histories. Role of the Royal National Park The primary public role of the Royal National Park is rest and recreation within a relatively natural setting. Interpretation and education are secondary functions of the park and, in any case, are unlikely to attract the current visitor demographic in their own right. Assuming people visit the Royal National Park to bushwalk, picnic, browse, row boats, observe nature, play games, meet friends and family, etc, rather than to read signs and learn facts about the natural and cultural history of the place, it is imperative that if future interpretive elements are to be successful they should be imaginatively integrated with popular rest and recreation infrastructure wherever possible.


A visitor to the Royal National Park should not have to be spoon-fed with facts and figures or subjected to wordy history and science lessons. However, what if visitors were to collect vignettes of the place’s extraordinary history all the while going about their preferred recreational activities? Indeed, this is the preferred approach recommended in this report. Traditional Signage While traditional media such as signage will have an important role to play in orientating visitors and providing useful information across the park, its predicability in such a context sometimes diminishes its potential interpretive power. No matter how well it is written, typical text and image based interpretive signage is so common nowadays that it can deter as many people as it attracts. As such, it is recommended that traditional signage be kept to a minimum for interpretive purposes. Besides functional signage at key infrastructure locations at Audley Core, orientation signage should be located throughout the Honeymoon Track – the main pedestrian route extending from the princess highway to Audley Core – which brings visitors past as many natural and cultural interpretive points as possible. Interpretive Installations Given that many of the historic sites and structures have either been demolished or are difficult to locate or visualise, there exists opportunities to both define something of the form and function of these invisible elements while exploring their significance to the story of the Royal National Park. Interpretive installations might take on all manner of forms – from inlays tracing the former footprints of demolished structures, to ghost furniture or artefacts which recall the uses of sites, to more practical visitor infrastructure such as picnic tables, seating, pathways, bollards, visitor route markers, etc – all of which contain pictorial and text information which provide clues to unlocking the particular site’s histories. While interpretive installations can range from the direct to the cryptic, if well conceived and designed they can have the power to actively engage the viewer’s imagination in the process of exploring, questioning and unravelling the site. Materials & Media No interpretive sign or structure can fully resist the attacks of nature or vandals. As such, whether conventional signage or interpretive installations, all interpretive media should be constructed of tough, durable materials which can be readily replaced if damaged. Final material selection and design approaches should be considered in light of available knowledge of bushfire effects, termite/inspect activity, flora/fauna activity, vandal behaviour, effects of general visitation and any other significant factors.


Interpretation Centre While interpretation of the site is important, people are unlikely to visit specifically for interpretive reasons, but rather, to enjoy the landscape. Furthermore, as the landscape itself is an artefact, it is arguably more interesting and useful to view these artefacts firsthand in their environmental setting rather than reproduced artificially within an interpretive centre exhibit which would be just as effective in Sydney’s CBD as it would on-site at Audley. Unless a vulnerable artefact collection related to the site is available for display, it is recommended that a new interpretation centre is unwarranted at the Royal National Park. However, should such a collection become available, it is recommended that either the existing Post Office Cottage (AR 1) or Dance Hall building (PF 2) could be adaptively reused as an interpretation centre. Park Entry Statement It is recommended that major signage/interpretive installations be located on Farnell Avenue at the northern and southern approaches to Audley Core – one just south of the Visitors Centre and railway station, and the other just south of Willow Tree Flat. The purpose of these installations is to communicate to visitors that they are entering a zone of special cultural significance and to give them an impression of what that significance is. While entry installations should be located where visitors can park their cars, bicycles, etc, to consider the installations in detail, they will also need to impart a tangible, albeit fleeting, statement about Audley to the majority who will not or can not stop for a closer look. While installations might take on any format or medium they must simply express that Audley is a layered and significant cultural and historical landscape. By way of comparison, the public sculpture Edge of the Trees at Museum of Sydney is particularly successful in that it tells us something general about the historical and contemporary landscape of Sydney from a distance, yet gives visitors a more personal insight into Sydney people and their perspectives when examined up close. Likewise, the proposed Audley entry statement installations might comprise an array of timber poles/trunks located on the road verge which have been cut, marked and finished to represent various natural and cultural episodes at Audley – trees burnt by bushfires; cut for toe-holds, shields and canoes by Aboriginal stone axes; felled by European saws, steel axes and chainsaws for landscape clearing, boatbuilding and firewood. Interpretive text could be integrated into the poles for detailed examination for a more comprehensive reading of the site. Whatever the final approach, the Audley entry statement should be an original artwork which responds to the unique qualities and significance of the place. A


full brief for this installation should be developed as part of the site Interpretation Plan proposed below. IDENTIFIED INTERPRETIVE SITES AR 1 – Post Office Cottage The high significance and interesting aesthetics of this cottage are such that the building should be conserved and interpreted for public inspection. While the Post Office Cottage could be utilised for various non-intrusive educational or commercial activities, it is recommended that it is made available for regular public access and its layers of use and abuse conserved so the building can be presented as a simple ‘museum of itself’. AR 2 - Rangers Building Possible adaptive reuse for educational/commercial facility, or similar. AR 3 – Trustees Cottage Site Define Trustees Cottage floor plan with inlaid footings. Partially furnish some rooms with functional tables and chairs and other appropriate ghost furniture which exhibit interpretive information. A symbolic long board-room table and chairs would be a suitable piece of metaphoric ghost furniture for this site. Interpretation to focus on Trustees original charter for park management and development. Key Quotations … we do hereby empower the Trustees of the National Park in their discretion to set apart and use such portions of the said Park as they may from time to time think necessary for the purposes following … first, ornamental plantations, lawns and gardens; second, zoological gardens; third, race-course; fourth, cricket, or any other lawful game; fifth, rifle butt or artillery range; sixth, exercise or encampment of Military or Naval forces; seventh, bathing places; eighth, for any public amusement or purpose which the Governor for the time being may from time to time, by notification in the Government Gazette, declare … (National Park Trust Deed of Grant, 1887) It is obvious that this Park possesses many aspects of wild grandeur, and when subdued to the hands of man, may add the charms of landscape treatment to the beauties of wild nature. (Sydney Morning Herald, 2 April 1879) AR 4 - Stable Site Define outline of former Upper Stables. Interpretation elements to explore the relationship between horses and site access prior to motor transport, and consider the function of the nearby water tanks. Possible surface treatment might include numerous horseshoes set into footprint of the former stables structure. AR 6 – Lookout & Trustees Memorial Signage element(s) to frame natural views and interpret natural and indigenous history of site. Depict photographs of rock art in nearby rock shelter site and historic views of indigenous people of the area.


AR 9 – Allambie House Site Define Allambie House floor plan with inlaid footings. Reinstate ghost windows at original location of former windows which frame current park views, while depicting historical images of the park. Provide modern seating adjacent ghost windows for visitor rest and perusal. Interpretation to focus on competing park management attitudes - transformation of the site as an ornamental garden and tourist resort, and conservation of the natural environment which led to the demolition of Allambie House and other associated structures. Key Quotations Improvements taking place at the National Park will make this naturally beautiful area one of the greatest tourist resorts and show places in Australia … (HC Whiddon, National Park Trust Chairman, 1938) The Park will be managed primarily for recreation and the promotion of public understanding and enjoyment of the scenic and natural values without impairment of these values. (National Parks & Wildlife Service, 1975) AR 10 – Stables & Garage Site Define former floor plan with inlaid footings. Similar horseshoe surface treatment as AR 4. AR 11 – Honeymoon Track Interpret Honeymoon Track and Cottages using a series of small rectangular image and text panels attached to the coursed stone retaining wall blocks at the northern edge of the Honeymoon Track. Focus on the variety and workmanship of substantial stone retaining walls at Audley. AR 12 – Cottage Site Define floor plan via inlaid footings. Domestic ghost furniture to interpret building’s function as a house and identifies past occupants. AR 13 – Former Road Interpret former road and military track/stairway, and explore the development of the park’s road and track network. Key photographs to depict former roads, bridges, paths and military presence at Audley. Clear section of road immediately north of AR 5 watertanks. AF 2 – Bowling Green/Tennis Court/Garden Site Interpretation to focus on the development of sport and recreation at Audley including boating, tennis, bowling, etc, and explore the form, evolution and function of the various demolished and existing recreational facilities. Interpretive material recalling site’s various uses to be incorporated in car park infrastructure such as bollards and barriers.


Key Quotation As a preliminary step to making the Park a centre of popular attraction, Riverside flats have been cleared of useless undergrowth to provide additional picnic areas. On what was hitherto swampy land a bowling green is being built … new courts are being laid out. The area around Audley where the picnic crowds congregate is being turfed and ornamental rock gardens will add to the natural beauty. (HC Whiddon, National Park Trust Chairman, 1938) CF 3 – Aviary Site Partial reconstruction of the aviary based on historic photograph, perhaps comprising timber post elements defining the scale and shape of the former aviary. Its function as an acclimatisation aviary and the site’s use as a zoological garden might be interpreted on and within the ghost-aviary structure. Interpretation could also consider use of the park by various ethic groups that are likewise acclimatising to Australian cultural and environmental conditions. Key Quotation When I came back to Australia, I remember my friend taking me to a park … I felt extremely lonely and depressed. Somehow there was just too much space, I felt alone and even frightened of so much silence and inactivity. (Thao, Vietnamese migrant, Moving Landscapes: National Parks & the Vietnamese Experience, 2002) DOF - Stone Dock Interpret the former wharf dock structures and the evolution of the adjacent weir and the former fish ladder structure. Interpretation to focus on transformation of the waterway for introduction of freshwater fish and boating activity. POF – Dressing Sheds Construct ghost dressing shed enclosures which contain interpretive text and images exploring the evolution of water-based recreational activity in the immediate area and associated historic structures such as the dressing sheds, shark net, training walls, jetties, etc. Partially reconstruct former jetty structure. Interpretive images on glass blades or similar material may be located in Hacking River to be read by pedestrians on river bank and jetty, or by visitors in boats and kayaks. KAF – Swimming Hole Interpretive installation to explore former swan pond, dairy paddock and Trustees pool at this site. Possible water-based or floating installation. AWP – Kangaroo Creek & Hacking River It is proposed that a series of interpretive installations are located within the freshwater section of the Audley Weir Pool as part of a water-based interpretive route accessible by kayaking and boating visitors. Interpretation might include images, text or installations at key points of interest to recall past river users and


episodes – flood-poles to record previous flood levels, images/sculptures of indigenous canoes/fishing activities, memorials to recall tragic drownings. IMPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDATIONS Following the adoption of the Interpretation Strategy and allocation of necessary funds, it is recommended that suitable consultants are briefed and engaged to research, design and develop Audley interpretive elements in conjunction with the nominated landscape architects. The project should be undertaken as a single project with 3 distinct stages. If suitable funding cannot be allocated in the short term, it is recommended that Stage 1 is implemented immediately in order that accurate cost estimates for proposed works can be ascertained and presented in the Interpretation Plan. Stage 1 Using this Interpretation Strategy as a starting point, the consultant team undertakes detailed historical, pictorial and on-site research, and develops design proposals for all interpretive signage and installations. Interpretive content, schematic designs and cost estimates to be documented in an Interpretation Plan. Stage 2 The consultant team prepares interpretive text, acquires images and reproduction permission, undertakes graphic design and 3-D design documentation. Quantity surveyor to verify cost estimates. Stage 3 The consultant team procures fabricators/printers/builders and oversees fabrication and installation of interpretive elements.


APPENDIX FMorton, A. (Earthscape Horticultural Services) Tree Hazard Assessment Royal National Park, Audley,unpublished report prepared for NSW NPWS (August 2003).


EARTHSCAPE HORTICULTURAL SERVICES Arboricultural, Horticultural and Landscape Consultants

ABN 36 082 126 027 _________________________________________________________

TREE HAZARD ASSESSMENT

ROYAL NATIONAL PARK

Audley Road, Audley, NSW

August 2003

Prepared for: Context Landscape Design Level 2

52-58 William Street EAST SYDNEY NSW Ph: 9380 8800

Prepared by: Andrew Morton

B.App.Sci (Horticulture), Ass. Dip.App.Sci. (Landscape)

EARTHSCAPE HORTICULTURAL SERVICES

Ph: - 0402 947 296

Member of the National Arborist’s Association of Australia


EARTHSCAPE HORTICULTURAL SERVICES ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

INTRODUCTION

This report was commissioned by Context Landscape Design to assess the heath and condition of approximately 120 trees located within Royal National Park, Audley Road, Audley NSW. The assessment has been primarily undertaken to ensure the detection of defects or other problems that may constitute potential hazards and to ensure effective remedial treatment where appropriate. The assessment has been limited to nominated trees considered to be representative of important ‘Cultural Plantings’ and forms part of the Conservation Plan Review and Masterplan prepared by Context Landscape Design in association with CAB Consulting Pty Ltd. It is understood that this report may be used to determine priorities for remedial treatment or removal of hazardous or senescent trees where appropriate. This Report comprises three parts, as follows:-

This report Tree Assessment Schedule (Appendix A) Location Plans (Appendix B)

THE SITE

This assessment concentrated on passive recreation areas in the vicinity of Audley Weir. The site has been divided into several precincts for management purposes as follows:-

Hacking Estuary (HE)

Audley Weir Pool (AWP)

Allambie Ridge & Slopes (ALR)

Allambie Flat (ALF)

Dock Flat/Causeway (DOF)

Pavilion Flat (PAF)

Pavilion Slopes (PAS)

Rangers Slopes (RAS)

Currawong Flat (CUF)

Willow Tree Flat (WTF)

Fig Tree Flat (FTF)

Kookaburra Flat (KOF)

Reid’s Flat & Slopes (REF)

Pool Flat (POF)

Pool Slopes (POS) The above precincts (and the relevant alpha codes) have been referred to in the Tree Assessment Schedule (Appendix A) SUBJECT TREES

The subject trees were inspected by Earthscape Horticultural Services (EHS) on the 6th August 2003. The inspection was conducted from the ground with the aid of binoculars where required. Aerial inspection was not undertaken. Each tree has been given an identification number for the purposes of this report as shown on the attached plans (Appendix B) prepared by CAB Consulting Pty Ltd and correlating



with the Tree Assessment Schedule (Appendix B). The alpha prefix refers to the Precinct/Area Code. The site has been planted with both exotic and non-indigenous native tree species. The predominant species include the following:-

Populus nigra ‘Italica’ (Lombardy Poplar)

Castanospermum ausrale (Blackbean)

Lophostemon confertus (Brushbox)

Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island Pine)

Araucaria cunninghamii (Hoop Pine)

Araucaria bidwillii (Bunya Bunya Pine)

Populus deltoides (Cottonwood)

Ficus macrophylla (Moreton Bay Fig)

Ficus macrocarpa ‘hillii’ (Hills Weeping Fig)

Washingtonia robusta (Cotton Palm)

Erythrina x sykesii (Indian Coral Tree)

Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor Laurel)

Platanus x hybrida (London Plan) Most of these species (apart from Lombardy Poplars) are large park/shade trees and were typically planted as specimen trees in large properties and parks in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. This is consistent with the size and estimated age of the majority of the trees assessed. The Lombardy Poplars (confined to Allambie Flat) appear to be a more recent planting. Also assessed were some Eucalyptus paniculata (Grey Ironbark) and Melaleuca styphelioides (Prickly-leaved Paperbark). It is not certain whether these have been planted or are remnant locally indigenous species. HAZARD ASSESSMENT:-

The health and condition of each tree has been assessed and the information tabulated in Schedule A - Tree Health and Condition Assessment (Appendix A). This schedule also contains recommendations for remedial works where required. The Assessment included the following parameters for each tree:-

Tree Reference Number to correlate with the above mentioned Plan;

Tree Species (Botanical & Common Name);

Approximate height, canopy spread and trunk Diameter measured at Breast Height (DBH) of each tree;

General description, age class, and form/habit of each tree. (Age & Form Class);

Health & Condition Assessment of each tree (Condition Class), including any evidence of disease or pest infestation;

Estimated Life Expectancy;

Specific Issues or damage; and

Recommended remedial works. A Hazard Rating has also been provided as an indication of the relative importance of the remedial work.



SPECIFIC ISSUES

Due to the nature of the site, there are a number of specific or recurring issues, which have been discussed in detail in order to provide information for on-going and future management. They are not listed in any specific order. Bark Inclusions

Many of the trees were noted to contain Bark Inclusions. Bark inclusions vary in severity. They are a natural phenomenon, which develop in some trees as they grow. However, branches that grow at very acute angles to the trunk or another branch are the most susceptible. Essentially a Bark Inclusion develops when the bark of the tree starts to become entrapped or “included” in the junction between two limbs. During the development of a normal branch, the wood fibres of each branch grow concurrently, overlapping and meshing together to form a strong union. If bark becomes included, the two limbs grow independently, forming a weak union. In severe cases, bark inclusions represent a structural defect, which is prone to failure under high wind or storm conditions, or even over time as the tree ages. In some instances, the best treatment is to remove the less dominant limb at the branch junction. This avoids a large wound, which would be created if the branch were to tear away and removes the defective part and therefore any hazard. In many instances however, this treatment would involve removing a substantial portion of the canopy, which may be unacceptable from an aesthetic perspective. In this instance an acceptable alternative may be to reduce the overall weight and wind loading on the affected branch by selectively thinning. This removes a portion of the foliage and branches, still retaining the natural form and shape of the tree. Again, whilst this does not guarantee safety, it will substantially reduce the probability of failure under storm conditions. Trees noted to have bark inclusions should be inspected regularly to check whether the branch junctions are moving apart. Such branches should be removed as soon as practicable. Many of the Hills Figs and Blackbeans in Allambie Flat were noted to have varying degrees of Bark Inclusions. These trees are probably to old for effective remedial treatment, but should be monitored on a regular basis for evidence of failure (obvious fractures or splits about the included branch junctions) Moisture Stress

Many of the trees within the site are suffering severe moisture stress due to the recent drought conditions, particularly those species preferring good levels of soil moisture (such as Brushbox, Blackbeans and Hills Figs). These species are suffering partial defoliation and dieback. Other species are succumbing to foliar insect or borer infestation as secondary problems. Whilst extended dry conditions may result in the demise of some of the trees, most should recover following a reasonable period of rainfall. Supplementary watering is probably impractical for the larger specimens, although the installation of a composted mulch material (where appropriate) beneath the canopies may be of benefit in reducing stress



Fire Injury

Many of the trees have wounds and cambial dieback around the basal area of the trunk & buttress and lower branches caused by previous fire injury. These vary in severity. In some instances, the injuries may lead to secondary fungal infection and decay. Some older fire injuries show evidence of decay and their removal is warranted from a safety perspective. Compaction

A number of established trees show evidence of compaction within the Primary Root Zone (PRZ) due to intensive foot traffic. In some instances the PRZ is completely devoid of vegetative cover and soil erosion has occurred, leading to exposure of the root crown. This may lead to severe moisture stress in dry conditions and lead to the demise of some trees in the long term. In the worst cases, consideration should be given to restricting pedestrian access beneath the tree canopy and installing a mulch layer to reduce soil erosion and improve moisture retention. Mulch zones beneath the tree canopies in other areas may be appropriate in other areas where constant foot traffic is occurring. Previous Pruning Practices

During the inspection it was noted that all of the Populus deltoides (Cottonwoods) , some up to 25 metres tall, have been previously lopped or topped. It appears that this was undertaken in order to reduce the height and spread of the trees and keep them to ‘manageable’ dimensions. The work appears to have been undertaken within the last 15 to 20 years. The majority of these trees have produced epicormic regrowth, resulting in elite epicormic sprouts arising from immediately below the old wounds. Most elite epicormic sprouts are inherently weak and are prone to failure under high wind or storm conditions. The production of epicormic growth is a natural response to many forms of stress, such as drought, fire damage, storm damage or even mechanical or chemical damage to the canopy or root system. Epicormic sprouts arise from dormant buds just beneath the outer bark of the tree. Their function is to rapidly restore energy to the tree following stress. Most sprouts arising from the mid-point in branches or on the trunk are relatively short lived and do not represent any hazard. However, those arising from just below wounds, such as branches which have been lopped or broken in storm conditions, may become dominant and are often persistent. These “elite” sprouts grow only on the outer edge of the cambial tissue and do not make a strong union with the branch they arise from. As a result, when they become sufficiently large they can tear away from the tree under windy conditions, creating a hazard. This is exacerbated in this instance by the development of decay in the branch stubs near the site of the original pruning cut. Some stubs show evidence of extensive decay and formation of cavities. This increases the incidence of failure of elite sprouts. The area beneath the canopies of these trees is actively and intensively used. As the trees are aged and nearing senescence, it is recommended that consideration be given to their removal in the short term and replacement with a more appropriate species.



CONCLUSIONS:- 1. Most of the trees within the subject site are in fair to good health and condition,

however, specific issues have been identified which require a treatment over the longer term.

2. Remedial works have been listed in the attached schedule. RECOMMENDATIONS:-

1. Recommendations for remedial works are provided in the attached schedule (Appendix A).

2. Trees with suspected termite activity should be thoroughly inspected by a Pest Control

Technician and treated as required. 3. Where pruning work is specified, such work should be carried out in accordance with

Australian Standard No 4373-1996 – Pruning of Amenity Trees.

Andrew Morton EARTHSCAPE HORTICULTURAL SERVICES 8th August 2003



DEFINITIONS ‘Tree’ A usually tall woody perennial plant, distinguished from a shrub by having

comparable greater height and single woody trunk, usually with many self supporting

branches arising at an appreciable distance from the ground, forming an elevated canopy.

‘Palm’ Woody monocotyledon plants, usually with a single trunk and distinctive crown,

with all new foliage (fronds) arising from the apex.

‘Epicormic Growth’ stems or branches formed from dormant buds beneath the bark of a

tree, usually activated into growth in response to some form of stress, injury or severe

environmental condition.

‘Copse’ A small group or stand of trees

‘Transplanted’ The relocation of plant material from one place to another.

‘Mass Planting’ A group of plants in a garden area or mulched bed.

‘Dieback’ death of foliage and upper branchlets in the tree canopy.

‘Bark Inclusion’ A weak branch union formed when bark becomes entrapped in the

crotch/junction during subsequent growth.

‘Branch Bark Ridge’ (BBR) Branch Bark Ridges are formed at the junction of two

branches or the branch and the trunk. They are characterised by “areas, rings or lines of

bulging bark that may be rougher or darker in colour than surrounding bark” (Harris, 1983).

‘Branch Collar’ trunk tissue which forms at the base of a branch, usually slightly raised or

larger than the branch base.

‘Co-dominant leading stems’ Two stems or trunks of approximately equal size developing

at the same time and rate, which may lead to a weak branch structure.

‘Formative Pruning’ Pruning to remove growth defects in young trees to promote good

form and structure.

‘Canopy Thinning’ The selective removal of crowded inner canopy branches to promote

greater air circulation, better form and structure and reduce canopy density, thereby reducing

wind resistance.

‘Deadwooding’ removal of dead and or dying limbs and branches

‘Canopy Lifting’ removal of the lower limbs of the tree to improve sightlines or improve

pedestrian or vehicle access beneath the canopy.

‘Natural Target Pruning’ a pruning technique that involves identifying the correct angle

and alignment for proper pruning cuts by forming “targets” between the commencement of

the cut at the outer edge of the Branch Bark Ridge (BBR) and the end of the cut at the point

where the lower part of the branch meets the branch collar. Such a cut will not leave a stub

or cause damage to the remaining trunk or branch, leading to better wound closure and

healing. This alignment approximates the ‘natural’ alignment that the tree forms when

shedding the branch, enhancing the tree’s natural defence mechanisms against pathogenic

disease and decay. The ‘targets’ are the two points that are aimed at to execute a proper

pruning cut.


APPENDIX GStone, C. Summary of Participant Discussion, unpublished report prepared for NSW NPWS (July 2003).


AUDLEY OPEN DAY 1 JUNE 2003

SUMMARY OF PARTICIPANT DISCUSSION

Introduction

As part of the Open Day discussion, participants were asked to apply a “SWOT” analysis to the current situation in Audley, involving an assessment of Audley’s “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats”. This paper summarises the output of that discussion.

Strengths

Audley’s great strength was seen to lie in its natural beauty, its proximity to and association with abundant water and the nature and variety of views it offers. Views of the cliffs and ridgelines and the sense of enclosure and protection that these provide were thought to be particularly important. The quality of the natural landscape and native flora and fauna, considered to be of World Heritage value, were part of the reason why people have developed a strong attachment to the area. Many participants held the view that Audley was an enduring, “feel good” place.

Audley was noted as a popular meeting place for a wide variety of users and for a variety of activities, including bird watching. The low-key nature of activities at Audley was appreciated, as were the various programs that had been put in place at Audley, including the ecological restoration.

Some participants considered that Audley had an “oasis” quality, providing a sense of respite and pleasure for visitors. Its amenities and heritage qualities contributed to this. The Aboriginal heritage of Audley and the associated archaeological richness of the site were considered to be highly important. Audley’s European heritage, partly expressed in the built elements, including the weir, was also greatly valued. Many people felt an attachment to the buildings on the site, as a result of activities having taken place there in which they were involved. Overall, the layering of the history of the site was seen to be a significant strength.

Weaknesses

Audley was seen to have a number of weaknesses, many of which had to do with the way in which the locality, or passage through the locality, was managed, rather than with the inherent nature of the site.

Traffic management through Audley was considered a significant problem. While it was recognised that Audley was inevitably subject to through-traffic to Bundeena (which was thought to be growing) and other destinations, it was felt that traffic speeds through Audley and the associated noise could be better controlled. Traffic volumes, and the noise associated with traffic generally, were noted as the general problem. The lack of policing of traffic and the absence of an obvious “ranger presence” were also part of the problem.


It was suggested that there was a lack of “planning coordination” with the planning of Bundeena and adjoining developments.

Traffic volumes and speeds were seen to create dangerous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. The nature and alignment of the road and the absence of any special provision for cyclists contributed to the hazardous situation for cyclists. (On the other hand, cyclists were considered by some to be careless in their behaviour.)

Accessibility to Audley by public transport and accessibility at Audley for people with disabilities, including vision impairment, were thought to be issues of concern. The loss of public transport services (tram and ferry) was noted. Some considered there to be a lack of parking near the Dance Hall and Pavilion. The lack of connectivity to the flats (and the concentration of uses on only a few flats) and the provision of walking tracks generally were also discussed.

The signage around the site was generally thought to be insensitive and unsatisfactory. Kiosk signage and the plastic boat tricycles were considered particularly unsightly.

The lack of heritage information and interpretation was raised by a number of participants. They considered that the historic layering of the site and its archaeological values should be more evident. It was noted that there had been some loss of records of the area. The 1986 Conservation Management Plan was criticised for its “lack of vision” but it was noted that, in any case, this plan had not been implemented to any great extent.

Generally, there were seen to be “management conflicts” involved in the determination of whether Audley was a “historical” or “natural” park. The quality of maintenance was also considered a general issue. Other particular issues noted included:

The flooding of the weir and of walking tracks and facilities

Introduced species

Potential fire hazards

The fact that the weir was an ecological barrier

The management of the food concession

The legibility of the site

The variety of uses that the site was expected to accommodate

The lack of a specific function for the Dance Hall

Vandalism


Opportunities

The opportunities for the site were seen to lie mainly in addressing the weaknesses identified above or in building on the strengths. They may be summarised as follows:

Accessibility

Improving public transport access by re-establishing the ferry service and by other means

Providing occasional disabled access to Lady Carrington Drive

Improving connectivity generally and the walking tracks in particular

Providing bridge connections to other flats

Linking Lady Carrington Drive to bike hire place

Legibility and services

Improving signage to an on the site and the legibility of the site generally

Improving the café

Tourism and information

Improving publicity about and the tourism marketing of the site, including the mounting of memorabilia exhibits

Using Audley as an venue

Providing accommodation on the site

Using the water as a drawcard

Environmental management

Providing a natural weir to restore the river

Emphasising the eco-diversity of Audley

Recognising the World Heritage values of Audley

Traffic management

Restricting Bundeena expansion

Considering an Audley by-pass (This was not generally thought to be feasible)

Enforcing speed limits

Improving pedestrian safety


Heritage interpretation and education

Revealing, emphasising and celebrating the conservation, heritage and recreation values of the site and providing information and education about them

Emphasising the Aboriginal significance of the site

Recognising the use of Audley by a wide variety of cultural groups, including Chinese Macedonian and Vietnamese people

Making Audley the training ground for Australian bush/natural heritage education

Re-locating the Interpretative Centre in Audley

Management of the site

Providing a clearer direction for the management of Audley in the future

Improving the coordination of planning amongst Government agencies

Focusing on the wider Audley area

Threats

Similarly, the noting of “threats” generally emphasised what were considered to be the current weakness, noted above:

Traffic management

The impacts of traffic

Increased traffic and noise associated with travel to Bundeena and the Bonnievale camp ground

Disaster management

The possibility of fires, floods and overburning

Development

Pressures associated with increased population in the metropolitan area and subsequent increased pressure on places such as Audley

The impact on conservation of increased activity

Over use and overdevelopment of the site

The “modernisation” of facilities

The generation and collection of rubbish

Security

Pollution of the catchment due to development

The impact of watercraft


Environmental managment

Introduced species; deer, cats and dogs

Siltation

Freshwater weeds

A loss of eco-diversity

Road kill associated with traffic

Heritage

Losing the past

The “Old English factor” being replaced by the “Aussie BBQ”

Management of the site

The possible lack of funding

Inadequate marketing


APPENDIX HStratcorp Consulting, An Assessment of Recreational Uses in Audley—Research and Recommendations,unpublished report prepared for NSW NPWS (August 2003)


An Assessment of Recreational Uses in Audley – Research and Recommendations August 2003 Prepared for CONTEXT Landscape Design Pty Ltd Prepared by Stratcorp Consulting Pty Ltd 2 / 148 Longueville Road Lane Cove NSW 2066 Phone 02 9420 9981 Fax 02 9420 1533 Email: [email protected] www.stratcorp.com.au © Stratcorp Consulting Pty Ltd, 2003


CONTEXT Landscape Design Audley Master Plan – Recreational Uses

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................1

2. AUDLEY - RECREATIONAL USES / FACILITIES......................................................2

3. SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................8



1. INTRODUCTION

The National Parks and Wildlife Service engaged CONTEXT Landscape Design in 2003 to prepare a Master Plan to guide the future development and management of Audley, a key existing recreation node within the Royal National Park, one of the most important and environmentally significant natural open space areas within NSW.

Stratcorp Consulting was sub-contracted by CONTEXT to assist with the research associated with the public’s recreational use of Audley, and where appropriate, provide direction and input into the master plan design process.

The specific research tasks carried out by Stratcorp Consulting included:

1. Review of project background notes emanating from previous project meetings and design team workshops.

2. Site review (in conjunction with CONTEXT staff).

3. Facilitation of a workshop with staff from the Audley management team, National Parks & Wildlife Service and the CONTEXT project team.

This Report describes and documents the key outcomes from the processes undertaken during our research, and outlines a series of possible directions and recommendations to assist CONTEXT to develop the Audley Master Plan.

Richard Simon (Senior Consultant, Stratcorp Consulting) visited Audley on 19th August 2003 to conduct the site review and to also facilitate the stakeholder workshop. The broad recreation-based issues and opportunities identified during the day have been formalised in this report, whilst others relating to general landscape improvements, management and embellishments were recorded by CONTEXT.



2. AUDLEY - RECREATIONAL USES / FACILITIES

This section provides a summary of:

1. Existing provision of recreational facilities within Audley and associated assessment of their appropriateness, or otherwise.

2. Ideas and suggestions to enhance the visitor experience to Audley from a recreational use perspective.

Recreation Experience Issues / Opportunities

1. Pedestrian Circulation Pedestrian access is not clearly defined in and around the Pavilion Flat and Allambie Flat zones.

It is clear from our observations (validated by Park staff) that visitors currently utilise road edges and car park edges as pedestrian ways to move around Audley. Two key issues with this informal approach to circulation are:

The inherent personal risk to the safety of pedestrians as they share a roadway with vehicles, a roadway which does not currently separate or provide for dual vehicle and pedestrian usage.

There is little encouragement for people to move around Audley, as people do not readily identify a designated pedestrian circulation network.

The provision of dedicated and clearly defined (and promoted) pedestrian access zones or paths through the Pavilion Flat and Allambie Flat zones is likely to encourage visitors to “explore” different areas within Audley. As a result, visitors will be encouraged to move beyond the zone into which they have arrived or parked. This has the potential to not only improve the visitor experience as people walk to the various places of interest scattered across Audley, but will also assist in ensuring that the current and possible future commercial areas (e.g. boat hire, kiosk) are readily accessible by all visitors to maximise the “commercial viability” of the respective leases.

Little opportunity exists to construct a dedicated pedestrian path which would be separated from the road circuit (except at the weir crossing). Therefore, road surface treatments to accommodate dual uses should



be investigated. Options could include the use of line markings and/or use of coloured surfaces to denote vehicle and pedestrian zones, or installation of bollards – although these have the potential to create a vehicle crash hazard and could be high maintenance items.

Any introduced mediums to facilitate the shared use of roadways between vehicles and pedestrians is likely to have a secondary benefit of slowing traffic down, due partly to the sight of additional traffic markings and partly due to the likely increased number of people actually moving about the precinct.

Recommendations:

1. Investigate options to introduce an on-road (and where possible, off-road) pedestrian thoroughfare which links all areas of the Audley precinct between Lady Carrington Drive and Allambie Ridge.

2. Promote and encourage visitors to walk around the Audley precinct through strategic use of signage and associated information brochures.

2. Walking Tracks The “sign posting” of the commencement point of existing walking tracks originating within Audley appears to be unclear and not well defined.

An opportunity exists to integrate the commencement point of existing walking tracks with the improved pedestrian network around Audley proposed by CONTEXT.

The existing walking tracks into and out of the Audley precinct offer a reasonable physical challenge for people who use the tracks. Such a challenge might not suit people with restricted mobility or poor physical fitness, or those people who have time constraints.

An opportunity exists to provide some shorter walks contained within the Audley precinct, which would be relatively flat and short in distance. Such walks could capitalise on the flat spaces available in the existing picnic areas and the vistas across the water. The proposed new pedestrian bridges at Allambie Flat and Wattle Forest will help facilitate the establishment of “circuit walks” around the Audley precinct.

When planning and designing any proposed new tracks, a variety of trail distances should be allowed for, where possible. It is suggested that tracks should not be formed but be denoted by use of unobtrusive and



narrow bollards or markers to show direction rather than an actual route, i.e. a rambling track.

In some instances, consideration should be given to providing some “rest stops” (as simple as a bench seat) to further encourage those people who might otherwise be challenged by having to complete a full circuit with no obvious opportunity for some respite.

Recommendations:

1. Improve the prominence of the start/finish points of the existing walking tracks within the Audley precinct through an integrated and well communicated signage strategy.

2. Establish new opportunities for short distance walking trips around Audley which utilise existing assets (such as picnic areas, places of interest and views), and which capitalise on the proposed new bridges across the river at Allambie Flat and Wattle Forest.

3. Playground No formal children’s playground is currently available.

The issue of whether a formal playground is appropriate or necessary will forever stimulate debate.

An opportunity exists to provide a uniquely different playground appropriate for the setting and overall experiences offered at Audley. Any proposed playground should not be a traditional plastic-form structure but rather value-add to children’s “day in the bush”. Such a playground could take the form of a couple of tree-houses constructed just above ground level around the trunks of existing trees interconnected by a series of rope/wooden bridges and Tarzan swings. Possible location would be Willow Flat.

The site of any new playground should ideally be away from the Pavilion Flat and Allambie Flat zone to preserve the peaceful ambience gained from river views and mountainous back drops.

Recommendation:

1. Investigate the feasibility of establishing a new playground at Audley.

2. Identify options for the design and location of any proposed new playground, having consideration for the natural setting, the need to separate active and passive areas, and any potential risk management/liability factors.



4. Sporting Facility(s) No formal sporting areas are currently available, and it is not appropriate, or necessary, to provide formal sporting areas. Such use is not consistent with the aims, objectives and history of Audley.

Audley does provide many areas suitable for informal and unstructured games of sport, such as rugby, AFL, soccer and cricket. Whilst the participation in such activities should not be encouraged due to the likelihood of potential conflict with other visitors, it must be recognised that family and/or social groups may from time to time wish to start up a “friendly matches” as part of their day out. (Similar to how some groups/families use beaches).

Recommendations:

1. Retain passive open space setting of Audley by not developing any formal sporting areas or facilities.

5. Boating

Existing boat hire business operating out of the Boat Shed comprises fibre glass rowing boats, three wheel water bikes, and a limited number of heritage-style, wooden rowing boats.

If possible, the existing business should be encouraged to cease use of the fibre glass and plastic boats/bikes, mainly to improve the visual amenity and setting that authentic wooden boats will provide (see examples from Studley Park, Kew, Vic).

Suggested during the workshop that in future this enterprise could incorporate a working boat building business, whereby, public access to the Boat Shed and its operations could be improved.

Recommendations:

1. Phase out/cease the use of the fibre glass rowing boats and water bikes and replace with wooden rowing boats.

2. Investigate the feasibility of introducing a working boat building operation in the Boat Shed as part of the redevelopment and review of this commercial enterprise.



6. Visitor Facility(s) Audley features a variety of recreational areas and facilities for visitors. These include the numerous BBQ/picnic areas and picnic shelters (including Commonwealth Pavilion), boat hire, kiosk and associated outdoor area, and the riverside jetties.

Most designated picnic areas have a toilet block, picnic tables, bins and associated car parking area (exception being the Pool Flat area).

The BBQs comprise a combination of wood BBQs and gas BBQs. Some of the gas BBQs are poorly located within picnic areas, being situated centrally in the open space areas rather than on the perimeter, which would make them less obtrusive and invasive on the setting (e.g. Reids Flat).

Consideration should be given to phasing out all gas BBQs in the designated picnic areas outside of the more intensively used Pavilion Flat and Allambie Flat zone. This will enhance the bush experience of those visitors using the more remote picnic areas. Two factors that will need to be assessed with such a move would be the level of increased risk (or otherwise) of the potential for surrounding bush to set fire, and the capacity of park rangers to keep the wood up to the wood stacks adjacent to the BBQs.

The gas BBQs should be retained within the more intensely used Pavilion Flat and Allambie Flat zone due to the high numbers of people using this zone, and the need to provide visitors with a “soft” (or more efficient) option to cook meat.

A suggestion explored during the workshop to improve the management of large groups visiting Audley is to introduce a bookings system for designated picnic shelters. If introduced, it is recommended that such picnic shelters be “at the end of the picnic area” and have a dedicated car parking area adjacent. This should help to improve traffic management into and out of picnic areas (particularly on high-use days) and will also assist in containing large groups in areas able to cater for their needs, with reduced inconvenience to other park users. Current example of this opportunity is evident at Kookaburra Flat, with further opportunities possible at Reids Flat and Fig Tree Flat, through the construction of new/additional



picnic shelters, and minor modifications to the car parking bays.

Any proposal to upgrade the kiosk function should take into consideration the following:

The desirability to reduce the actual number of buildings on Pavilion Flat, that is, remove the existing kiosk building and relocate the function into the Dance Hall (as per draft plan prepared by CONTEXT).

The need to provide a range of high quality foods and beverages. A visitor segment likely to continue to increase in numbers, particularly during the week, is that of retirees who are tourists and who might typically stay for a short period to purchase some refreshments and to have a quick walk around.

The options possible to consolidate infrastructure required to accommodate a kiosk function on the ground floor of the Dance Hall, and a reception/fine dining output on the first floor.

Recommendations:

1. Where possible consolidate, the built forms in the designated picnic areas to maximise the sense of open space.

2. Introduce wood BBQs into all of the picnic areas outside of the Pavilion Flat and Allambie Flat zone, and remove the gas BBQs, pending an assessment of the viability.

3. Introduce a bookings system for the use of designated picnic shelters by large groups, as well as the use of specific areas of adjacent car parks.

4. Remove the existing kiosk building and provide a new kiosk and catering enterprise in the Dance Hall building.

5. Ensure that the provision of service by the contractor engaged to operate the kiosk and proposed functions area in the Dance Hall is of a high quality, commensurate with the general changing expectations of visitors.



3. SUMMARY

A range of recreational pursuits is currently enjoyed by visitors to Audley. These include social gatherings in the form of picnics and BBQs, boating, hiking, walking, informal games in the open space areas, a variety of nature-based activities, swimming and fishing. The underlying appeal of each activity in the Audley setting, is the sense of attachment and association with nature. This quality should be maintained and enhanced through the current master planning process for Audley currently being undertaken by CONTEX for the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Several initiatives and recommendations for improving the recreation experience for visitors have been identified and/or validated by Stratcorp Consulting as part of our involvement with the Project Team. These include:

Improved provision for walking in Audley by establishing new opportunities for tracks in and around the existing picnic areas and weir wall, and by introducing an improved signage strategy for the identification of walking tracks.

Improved safety for visitors walking around Audley by formalising the use of the road for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Provision of a children’s playground at Audley which is integrated with the environment and bush setting of Audley.

Advocate for the cessation of the use of all fibre glass and plastic water craft from the boat hire business, and replace with wooden rowing boats which better reflect the history and character of Audley, and contribute more effectively to the cultural experience of visitors.

Introduce additional wood BBQs into the designated picnic areas, and phase out gas BBQs, pending an assessment of the risk management and the capacity of the parks services to maintain wood supplies.

Introduce additional picnic shelters in strategic locations and a bookings system for shelters to better cater for existing and likely future demand for organised group use of Audley, and as a strategy to minimise the impact from group use of picnic areas on smaller groups/individuals.

Upgrade food and beverage provision through a combination of new kiosk and catering facilities and services.

Remove the existing kiosk building.


APPENDIX IAudley Open Day Questionnaire


+ CAB CONSULTING

What do you like and value most about Audley?

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Is there anything you don’t like about Audley or that you feel needs improving?

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What opportunities are there to improve Audley?

Reinstatement and/or embellishment of the grassed flats for picnicking/recreation

Reinstatement of significant views from vantage points on the Allambie Slopes

Interpretation of Audley’s history

More/improved boating facilities

Improved: access car parking signage

Upgraded facilities: toilet blocks food services playground

concession(s) educational picnic/BBQ areas

Reintroduction of camping facilities and/or weekend accommodation

Reinstatement of netted swimming area in the Port Hacking River

Construction of a water’s edge walkway along the Audley Flats connected via

reinstated bridge(s) at Allambie Flat

A variety of connected walking tracks (from 30 mins to 4 hours) to further discover

and appreciate Audley and its environs

Other (specify)...................................................................................................................

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Comments.........................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................P.T.O.

Audley Masterplan - Visitor Values Survey

National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS) is preparing a Masterplan for Audley. This plan will guide its protection and conservation for the future. As part of the initial phase of the Masterplan, we invite you to have your say about what you value about Audley and what you would like to see happen there. NB: You can email comments to [email protected]


+ CAB CONSULTING

Is there anything else you would like to say about Audley, now, in the past or in the future? .........................................................................................................................................

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Your Name and Contact Details (optional):......................................................................

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Yes, I would like to receive further information regarding the Masterplanning process Thank you for your time. We consider all responses are important in the masterplanning process. Please post to: PO Box 44 SUTHERLAND NSW 1499. Or drop form into Royal National Park, Visitor Centre, Farnell Avenue, care of Patsy Ross. Or email comments to: [email protected]


APPENDIX JNPWS Staff Forum, Friday June 20th 2003, Audley Masterplan Community Consultation,


Audley Masterplan

Community Consultation

NPWS Staff Forum, Friday June 20th 2003

Attendees: 1. Patsy Ross

2. Sue Aston-Metham

3. Helena Ladds

4. Peter Young

5. Julie Gallan

6. Pam Melrose

7. Tony English

8. Andrew Lawless

9. Carolyn Orschell

10. Paul Evans

11. Neil Hazelton

12. Mike Patrick

Apologies: 1. Peter Hay (proxy comment given)

2. Mike Patrick (additional comments given)

3. Greg Tedder (proxy comment given)

4. Geoff Kalwy

5. Matthew Jones

6. Tony Dowd

7. Mike Vader

8. Steve Shorten

9. Kate Stephens

10. Carolyn Hadlow

11. Phil Bryant

Commencement Time: 10.20a.m

Discussion

Introduction and Background to Audley Masterplan (Patsy Ross)

Masterplan process and update given. Answer given to “Why we need the practical

working knowledge from Audley staff as input?”

Community Consultation to date: NPWS Client Group and Reference Group meetings

Regional Advisory Committee briefed

Media Releases – print, radio

Open Day June 1 2003 for general community and targeted stakeholders

Aboriginal community interviews

Visitor Surveys (SWOT analysis) coming in still

Public exhibition of Draft Masterplan – feedback opportunities and timeframe discussed.

Website and Email addresses


Facilitated Session (Sue Aston-Metham to facilitate) Recollections of personal stories shared to highlight varied attachments, activities and

perspectives on the place.

e.g long-term site of annual family picnic of Illawarra Steelworkers

swimming and jumping from footbridge at Pool Flat

Whites Bus Company linking up with trams and trains

Past gateway to Royal re-instated with pedestrian focus in mind

Suburban teenage haunt – able to get to by public transport (i.e without “the olds”)

Child’s perspective very different from the adult view now

Strengths and Weaknesses overviewed (see below)

LENS session on the Focus question:

“What facilities/improvements require upgrade/installation to improve the visitor

experience at Audley?”

i.e “What is needed at Audley?”

Each person jotted down several issues or ideas to address this question.

90 responses were made and analysed into the following categories:

1. Infrastructure and Facilities

2. Walking Tracks

3. Kiosk/Café

4. Cultural Heritage – Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal

5. Environmental Education

6. Interpretation / Signage

7. Natural Environment

8. Traffic

9. Rubbish/Recycling

10. Adaptive Re-use of Dance Hall

Details of Strengths identified:

Recreational space within the suburbs where no other similar space is available

Withstood the test of time and pressures of urban development – feelings of being

cloistered/protected/timeless/safe

Diverse activities to do – both passive and active

Waterway noted as a highly attractive and emotive theme for activities

Details of Weaknesses perceived:

All were Traffic related points:

congestion at toll box

dangers of Audley Rd bend

congestion at weir

congestion at Lady Carrington Rd juncture

Motorbikes speeding

Day users and local through-traffic mix puts pressures on drivers to go faster than ideal

Noise

Pedestrian dangers – from highway (Loftus) crossing, first Audley bend (getting to

Bridal Track), on westside of weir (getting to boatshed from Honeymoon Track),

eastern side of weir (getting to kiosk/Triangle CP from Pool Flat)


Details of Opportunities noted:

Traffic calming devices

Greater Highway patrol by police re traffic

…session shifted tack at this point as we decided to do a LENS session - Details of each

category (not listed in any particular order):

Infrastructure and Facilities

Overnight cabin accommodation possibility – adaptive re-use of existing staff cottages

Another shelter/weather shed (like the Pavilion) but up at ‘Audley Heights’, for Park

Entrance Interpretation, Educational use, Big Groups, sense of welcome

Disabled access (which doubles as pram access) to another area closer to river where

one can engage with bush (e.g Reids or Willow Tree Flat)

Improved car park facilities at Ironbark Flat

Gas BBQs

More BBQs and maintenance of BBQs

Electric BBQs

Consider children and children’s perspective in facilities e.g slippery dip and diving

board at Pool Flat,

swim enclosure and bridge re-established on saltwater side, near Pool Flat

Disabled toilets

Composting toilets

Unobtrusive toilet blocks to merge into environment as in other national parks –

remove current one and relocate sandstone blocks

New entry station

Better entrance experience

Sense of arrival

Walking Tracks

Reinstatement of walking tracks

Bridal Track upgraded

Connections between walkways

Circular loop walks (circuits) of easy grade

1-2 small loop tracks for families esp with younger children (like the Currawong Flat

return walk or from Wattle/Willow Tree Flat)

Environmental Education

Permanent location for Dept of Ed and Training’s Environmental Education Centre

Kiosk/Café Operation

At least two more kiosks – maybe over Varney Bridge

Coffee shop and up-market food outlet with take away facility

A better kiosk facility catering for elderly community who come in hired minibuses

and other coach-based groups

Permanent site for kiosk

Removal of current kiosk


Cultural Heritage

Aboriginal Education

Restoration of Post Office

Address the limited interpretive boards of the cultural layers within the precinct – not

just at Audley riverflats

Historic Interpretation needed

Name the area appropriately “pleasure grounds” is ridiculous, what about “meeting

place” in local Dharawal/La Pa language if approval given for such

Visible acknowledgment of Aboriginal occupation and significance

Interpretive signs at historic sites

Dual Aboriginal / Historic names of picnic areas

Interpretation of Aboriginal sites

Aboriginal Tour Guides

Interpretation

Better signage – quality and quantity

Better / Some interpretation of Royal as significant to Conservation Movement history

Multi-lingual signage and interps

Self-serve Interps (self-guided)

VC / Discovery and Enviro Ed Centre merged at Audley Heights for whole-of-Royal

visitor info, Classroom at Audley for Audley precinct info.

Rangers and VSO’s (visitor service officers) more visible and involved

Track head information

Interpretive centre of world class standard

Commercial Tour guides

Changing (dynamic) Interps and displays

Natural Environment

Immediate removal of highly invasive and toxic weeds (esp Camphor Laurel)

Boat landings (on freshwater side) more controlled and hardened off to protect riparian

vegetation (and visitors from mud!)

Re-visit / install Fish Ladder (x2 comments on this made)

Interactive displays for biodiversity, outdoor lab space

Phase out non-indigenous and non-providence plants

Address siltation in Hacking Rv

More Cabbage Tree Palms

Remove snags from river to areas of bank damage to promote reveg of riparian veg

Retain landscape planting at Ironbark Flat. Keep the ‘Peter Stevens garden’

Clean up of old riverside camping ground down-stream from Reids Flat, near

‘Fishtrap’

Evict Gambusia

Adjust mowing regime to shrink volume of grassland area to encourage more discrete

areas for picnic/play and more natural vegetation in groups of trees/shrubs/herbs/grass

Establish prominent deer fencing around a substantial area to demonstrate their

environmental impact


Rubbish and Recycling

Recycling bins installed, as well as signs to explain their use

Aesthetically designed recycling bins, not just colour-coded Sulo bins

Better rubbish and recycling management

Organic waste composted at dump site (as per Taronga Zoo model)

Improve rubbish removal facilities

Traffic

Discourage speeding cyclists

Encourage passive cycling

Motor bikes speeding through are a big issue

Consider an alternative car access for Bundeena residents

Supply bus and coach parking areas

Pedestrian safety a big issue for families / Discovery / Env Ed school groups. Better

signage to consider pedestrians and safe crossing signs for pedestrians to note – issue

from Loftus highway crossing, Bridle Track access, both sides of weir and Lady

Carrington/Dance Hall junction

Two lanes in along Farnell Ave from Highway

Multi entrance station facility to operate for 4 lots of vehicles at one time

Great idea to link pedestrian access via reinstated bridges

Close Sir Bert Stev Dr from Audley Heights to Bundeena turnoff at night

Install sound mounds into landscaping works to dull traffic noise

Public transport to be stepped up – buses on weekends for a trial period to start with

Access issues (unclarified)

Reduce no. of cars by providing parking outside of the riverflat precinct / shuttle bus

Install traffic calming devices e.g shacanes, slalems, shared zones, cobbled surfaces

Adaptive reuse of Dance Hall

Audley info centre

Tea house for older folk

Backpackers’ accommodation

Double-glazing required to sound-proof from road noise

Environmental education site

Educational facility

EEC in to top or bottom level

Unspecified better use

Function centre

Function centre at night / Ed centre in day

Multifunctional community facility

Other Comments from Mike Patrick (Regional Manager)

Check statutory requirements about what is permissible under Plan of Mngt and other

NPWS provisions

e.g accommodation at Reids Flat or Pool Flat camping, cricket ground, new roads,

bridges?, closing weir )politically unlikely solution to anything)

Make sure what is proposed is feasible and possible otherwise Masterplan is unrealistic

and wasteful


APPENDIX KNPWS, Fauna species list for species found at Audley.

BIRDS

* Little shearwater (Puffinis assimilis): V* Osprey (Pandion haliaetus): V* Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus): V* Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua): V* Sooty Owl (Tyto tenebricosa): V** Australian Painted Snipe (Rostratula australis): V** Swift Parrot (Lathamus disolor): E** Regent Honeyeater (Xanthomyza phrygia): E

REPTILES

** Broad-headed Snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides): V

MAMMALS

* Grey Headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus): V* Common Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus schreibersii): V* Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri): V* Large-footed Myotis (Myotis adversus): V* Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): V** Spotted-tail Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus): V** Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby (Petrogale penicillata): V** Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus): V

FROGS

* Giant Burrowing Frog (Heleioporus australiacus): V* Red Crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis): V** Littlejohns Tree Frog (Litoria littlejohni): V** Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea): V


APPENDIX LThorp Wendy, 1987, Inventory of Archaeological Items, from 1987 Conservation Plan for Audley.


APPENDIX MNPWS, April 2004, List of Submissions Received during Public Exhibition Period of Draft Audley Masterplan.February 22 - April 18, 2004.

1. Maree Pateman – childhood memories2. Caroline Staples – childhood memories3. Lauraine and Ivan Martinus – interested visitors4. R.Melor – Tramway enthusiast5. Deryk Engel – Bundeena resident, traffic impacts6. Jenni Gormley – Bicycle interests7. Robin Aitken – NPWS Ref Gp member – Dharawal heritage8. Neil de Nett – Bundeena resident, traffic impacts9. John Gawthorne - Bundeena resident, traffic impacts10. Marilyn Gawthorne - Bundeena resident, traffic impacts11. Greg Gawthorne - Bundeena resident, traffic impacts12. Robert Gawthorne - Bundeena resident, traffic impacts13. J.A and A.J Leishmann - Bundeena resident, traffic impacts14. Maurice Boyce – interested visitor15. Keith Godfrey – Interpretive guiding16. Dawn Emerson – President of the Sutherland Shire Historic Society17. Pam Melrose – Environmental Education Centre DET)18. Jim Callaway – Ref Gp member and NPA concerns19. Bill Dowling – NPA concerns20. Andrew Cox & Gary Schoer – NPA concerns21. Michael Griffiths – interested visitor from Caringbah22. Michael Kiddle – environmental education of high school students23. Jonathan Doig – bicycle issues24. Miriam Verbeek – Ref Gp member, Regional Advisory Committee, Bundeena resident25. Geoff Hughes – Boatshed Lessee, and long term Audley commentator on boating and

waterway issues26. Rod White – cycling issues27. Howard Clark – tram issues and opportunities28. Mike Fursland – Sutherland Shire Council heritage planner29. Scott Renwick – DIPNR Fishway Project

Other inputs via:Open Day (1 June 2003)NPWS staff forumWeekend surveys (Australia Day 28 Jan 2004)Royal National Park 125th birthday (26 April 2004)Royal Visitor Centre surveys/comments


APPENDIX NNSW Department of Commerce, 2004, Audley Sewerage Scheme - Audley Precinct Sewer Transfer, NSWNational Parks & Wildlife Service (2 plans).

\P G it \713 2 d 1/06/2004 4 07 24 PM


APPENDIX OCriteria for the Register of the National Estate.

CRITERION A:ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE COURSE, OR PATTERN, OF AUSTRALIA’S NATURAL OR CULTURAL HISTORYA.1 Importance in the evolution of Australian flora, fauna, landscapes or climate.A.2 Importance in maintaining existing processes or natural systems at the regional or national scale.A.3 Importance in exhibiting unusual richness or diversity of flora, fauna, landscapes or cultural features.A.4 Importance for association with events, developments or cultural phases which have had a significant role inthe human occupation and evolution of the nation, State, region or community.CRITERION B:ITS POSSESSION OF UNCOMMON, RARE OR ENDANGERED ASPECTS OF AUSTRALIA’S NATURAL ORCULTURAL HISTORYB.1 Importance for rare, endangered or uncommon flora, fauna, communities, ecosystems, natural landscapesor phenomena, or as a wilderness.B.2 Importance in demonstrating a distinctive way of life, custom, process, land-use, function or design nolonger practised, in danger of being lost, or of exceptional interestCRITERION C:ITS POTENTIAL TO YIELD INFORMATION THAT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO AN UNDERSTANDING OFAUSTRALIA’S NATURAL OR CULTURAL HISTORYC.1 Importance for information contributing to a wider understanding of Australian natural history, by virtue of itsuse as a research site,teaching site, type locality, reference or benchmark site.C.2 Importance for information contributing to a wider understanding of the history of human occupation ofAustralia.CRITERION D:ITS IMPORTANCE IN DEMONSTRATING THE PRINCIPAL CHARACTERISTICS OF: (I) A CLASS OFAUSTRALIA’S NATURAL OR CULTURAL PLACES; OR (II) A CLASS OF AUSTRALIA’S NATURAL ORCULTURAL ENVIRONMENTSD.1 Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of the range of landscapes, environments orecosystems, the attributes of which identify them as being characteristic of their class.D.2 Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of the range of human activities in the Australianenvironment (including way of life, philosophy, custom, process, land use, function, design or technique).CRITERION E:ITS IMPORTANCE IN EXHIBITING PARTICULAR AESTHETIC CHARACTERISTICS VALUED BY ACOMMUNITY OR CULTURAL GROUPE.1 Importance for a community for aesthetic characteristics held in high esteem or otherwise valued by thecommunity.CRITERION F:ITS IMPORTANCE IN DEMONSTRATING A HIGH DEGREE OF CREATIVE OR TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENTAT A PARTICULAR PERIODF.1 Importance for its technical, creative, design or artistic excellence, innovation or achievement.CRITERION G:ITS STRONG OR SPECIAL ASSOCIATIONS WITH A PARTICULAR COMMUNITY OR CULTURAL GROUPFOR SOCIAL, CULTURAL OR SPIRITUAL REASONSG.1 Importance as a place highly valued by a community for reasons of religious, spiritual, symbolic, cultural,educational, or social associations.CRITERION H:ITS SPECIAL ASSOCIATION WITH THE LIFE OR WORKS OF A PERSON, OR GROUP OF PERSONS, OFIMPORTANCE IN AUSTRALIA’S NATURAL OR CULTURAL HISTORYH.1 Importance for close associations with individuals whose activities have been significant within the history ofthe nation, State or region.

http://www.ahc.gov.au/register/furtherinfo/criteria.html#topofp 3/09/2004 2:21 PM


APPENDIX PAction Plan - Costings


S

tag

e A

=

1 -

2 y

ea

rs

C

rea

ted

on

6/2

3/2

00

4 3

:50

PM

Sta

ge

B

= 3

- 4

ye

ars

Sta

ge

C

= 5

- 6

ye

ars

M

= M

ain

ten

an

ce

Wo

rks

AU

DL

EY

MA

ST

ER

PL

AN

– A

cti

on

Pri

ori

tie

s P

lan

Man

ag

em

en

t A

rea

It

em

Ac

tio

n

Sta

ges

of

Wo

rks

An

tic

ipa

ted

F

un

din

g

Co

mm

en

ts

Actions: P

recin

ct by P

recin

ct

Th

e H

ackin

g E

stu

ary

Exis

ting F

acili

ties -

Conserv

ation,

Inte

rpre

tation a

nd A

daption

A

1

Reconstr

uct

wharf

and p

onto

on D

ock F

lat

(for

sm

all

cra

ft)

and

C

$200,0

00

Pool F

lat

(for

ferr

ies)

A

2

Resto

re s

ea w

alls

to s

tabili

se b

ank e

rosio

n (

inclu

din

g P

oo

l and R

eid

s F

lat)

A

$10

0,0

00 -

$15

0,0

00

50 m

etr

es

A

3

Inte

rpre

t netted s

wim

min

g e

nclo

sure

. F

or

exam

ple

, by r

ein

sta

ting p

art

of

str

uctu

re,

or

with

inte

rpre

tive c

lues

C

$50,0

00

A

4

Conserv

e t

rain

ing w

alls

an

d in

terp

ret.

C

$15

0,0

00

A

5

Inte

rpre

t re

mnant

fish ladder

C

$5,0

00

A

6

Inte

rpre

t fo

rmer

we

ir (

link w

ith

Dock F

lat)

with n

ew

deckin

g s

tructu

re a

nd c

onserv

e r

em

nants

of

form

er

we

ir

B

$80,0

00 -

$10

0,0

00

(12 x

3 m

)

Ne

w W

ork

s

A7

Ne

w F

ish

wa

y

B

?S

epara

te f

und

ing

from

DLW

C a

nd

Fis

heries b

udget

A

8

Inte

rpre

tive a

nd d

irectiona

l sig

nage

A

$35,0

00

Au

dle

y W

eir

Po

ol

Exis

ting F

acili

ties -

Conserv

ation,

Inte

rpre

tation a

nd A

daption

B

1

Consolid

ate

Bo

at

land

ing p

oin

ts a

lon

g r

iver

edge

B

$15,0

00

Co-o

rdin

ate

with

Wa

terw

ays.

Stu

dy

nee

de

d

Conserv

ation

B2

Conserv

e s

oft e

dge c

onditio

n

M

$15,0

00

Rem

oval W

ork

s

B3

Dre

dgin

g –

to m

ain

tain

ad

eq

uate

bo

atin

g a

ctivity

C

$50

0,0

00


Man

ag

em

en

t A

rea

It

em

Ac

tio

n

Sta

ges

of

Wo

rks

An

tic

ipa

ted

F

un

din

g

Co

mm

en

ts

S

tag

e A

=

1 -

2 y

ea

rs

Cre

ate

d o

n 6

/23

/20

04

3:5

0

PM

Sta

ge

B

= 3

- 4

ye

ars

Sta

ge

C

= 5

- 6

ye

ars

M

= M

ain

ten

an

ce

Wo

rks

B

4

Periodic

ally

reduce a

quatic p

lants

that

may b

e inhib

itin

g a

dequate

boating a

ctivity

M

$750,0

00

4.5

km

lon

g x

20m

w

ide =

45,0

00sq x

0.5

m d

ee

p x

50

Ne

w W

ork

s

B5

Consid

er

perm

issib

ility

and p

racticalit

y o

f fishin

g in t

his

pre

cin

ct

to a

sele

cte

d &

confined z

one o

f th

e w

eir p

ool

B

C

o-o

rdin

ate

with

Fis

heries

Allam

bie

Rid

ge a

nd

Slo

pes

Exis

ting F

acili

ties -

Conserv

ation,

Inte

rpre

tation a

nd A

daption

C

1

Undert

ake c

onserv

ation w

ork

s t

o a

dapt

post

offic

e c

ottage,

gard

en,

str

eet

fronta

ge,

and f

ootp

rint

(c.

late

1800’s

as p

er

CM

P).

E

xplo

re p

ossib

le o

ptions inclu

din

g f

ield

stu

dy/r

esearc

h

accom

modation.

A

$11

0,0

00

HA

MP

Fundin

g.

NP

WS

supplie

d

figure

C

2

Inte

rpre

t post

offic

e c

ottage s

ite.

For

exam

ple

, fo

r re

searc

hers

accom

modation,

or

education/e

xhib

itio

n f

acili

ties

B

$80,0

00

C

3

B

$30,0

00

Allo

wa

nce f

or

stu

dy

Undert

ake f

easib

ility

stu

dy t

o a

dapt

form

er

Tru

st

and r

angers

adm

inis

tration o

ffic

e a

s a

cla

ssro

om

/ re

searc

h/ in

terp

reta

tion f

acili

ty

C

4

Inte

rpre

t fo

rmer

upper

sta

ble

s s

ite w

ith s

eating a

nd s

urf

ace t

reatm

ents

B

$30,0

00

Fig

ure

supplie

d b

y

clie

nt

C

5

Inte

rpre

t fo

rmer

truste

es’ cottage s

ite.

C

$10,0

00

C

6

Conserv

e lo

okout

are

a a

nd m

onum

ent

an

d m

ain

tain

ste

ps a

nd t

rack a

lon

g r

idg

e

B

$15,0

00

C

7

Conserv

e w

ar

mem

oria

l ‘R

oll

of

Hono

ur’ a

nd

main

tain

ste

ps a

nd t

rack a

lon

g r

idg

e.

B

$10,0

00

C

8

Inte

rpre

t fo

rmer

Audle

y R

oad a

nd B

ridle

Tra

ck s

uch a

s w

ith im

ages o

r clu

es a

long a

wa

lkin

g

tra

ck.

C

$50,0

00

C

9

Inte

rpre

t lin

e o

f old

roa

d a

nd m

ilita

ry t

rack.

C

$20,0

00

C

10 In

terp

ret

wate

r ta

nks.

For

exam

ple

, cre

ate

a lookout

with im

ages o

r clu

es t

o p

ast

use.

C

$25,0

00

C

11 In

terp

ret

terr

aced r

ockery

gard

ens.

Encoura

ge indig

enous s

pecie

s a

nd s

ele

ctively

. re

move

invasiv

e s

pecie

s (

to b

e s

pecifie

d).

M

$20,0

00

Fig

ure

su

pplie

d b

y

clie

nt

Conserv

atio

n

C12 R

esto

re H

one

ym

oon T

rack t

o inte

r-w

ar

peri

od c

onfig

ura

tion

. C

$30,0

00

C

13 R

ein

sta

tem

ent

of

sig

nific

ant

vie

ws t

o r

iver

and v

ista

s b

y s

ele

ctively

rem

ovin

g e

xis

ting v

egeta

tion.

M

$10,0

00

NP

WS

sta

ff.

Fig

ure

pro

vid

ed b

y N

PW

S

C

14 A

dapt

fabric o

f ra

nger’s c

ottage/form

er

offic

e t

o n

ew

use f

or

inte

rpre

tation o

f A

udle

y V

illage

C

$50,0

00


Man

ag

em

en

t A

rea

It

em

Ac

tio

n

Sta

ges

of

Wo

rks

An

tic

ipa

ted

F

un

din

g

Co

mm

en

ts

S

tag

e A

=

1 -

2 y

ea

rs

Cre

ate

d o

n 6

/23

/20

04

3:5

0

PM

Sta

ge

B

= 3

- 4

ye

ars

Sta

ge

C

= 5

- 6

ye

ars

M

= M

ain

ten

an

ce

Wo

rks

Ne

w W

ork

s

C15 S

hort

term

park

ing a

reas a

nd

access t

o c

ottage a

nd p

ossib

le r

ese

arc

her’

s r

esid

ence

C

$30,0

00

Gra

vel car

park

and

reta

inin

g w

all

str

uctu

re

C

16 R

eco

nstr

uct

an

inte

rpre

tation o

f ‘T

he R

est’ P

avili

on a

s o

pe

n p

avili

on s

tructu

re

B

$15

0,0

00

Allo

w f

or

pavili

on

siz

e 1

2m

x 4

0m

C

17 In

terp

ret

form

er

uses a

nd loca

tions a

lon

g n

ew

and o

ld p

ath

s a

nd p

rovid

e n

ew

path

s

C

$30,0

00

C

18 N

ew

longer

term

park

ing a

rea a

nd c

onnecting t

rack o

n d

isused w

ork

shop n

ort

h o

f fo

rmer

sta

ble

s

site

C

$60,0

00

C

19 N

ew

entr

y m

ark

er/

sta

tem

ent

on A

udle

y R

oad n

ort

h o

f P

ost O

ffic

e C

ottage

A

$25,0

00

C

20 U

pgra

de f

urn

iture

an

d s

ignag

e f

acili

ties

A

$50,0

00

C

21 In

sta

ll tr

affic

calm

ing a

nd n

ew

surf

ace t

reatm

ent

to A

udle

y R

oa

d f

rom

Alla

mbie

Rid

ge e

ntr

ance t

o

Audle

y v

illage t

o t

he s

outh

ern

extr

em

ity o

f P

avili

on S

lopes (

Sir B

ert

ram

Ste

phens D

rive).

In

troduce t

raffic

calm

ing t

reatm

ents

associa

ted w

ith e

ntr

y s

tate

ment.

A

$50

0,0

00

50

% N

PW

S

Check E

QS

, R

TA

. A

llow

8km

x 6

m

wid

e,

base

d o

n

$10

0sqm

C

22 R

elo

cate

public

tele

ph

on

e (

relo

cation to D

an

ce H

all

or

oth

er

locatio

n)

A

Tels

tra

C

23 In

clu

de n

ew

ro

und

ab

out

for

traffic

calm

ing a

nd im

pro

ve s

afe

vehic

ula

r access t

o A

llam

bie

Fla

t A

R

TA

cost

inclu

ded in

item

C21

C

24 In

sta

ll 40 k

m a

nd 5

0 k

m s

peed s

igns in A

udle

y C

ore

are

as

A

R

TA

Allam

bie

Fla

t E

xis

ting F

acili

ties -

Conserv

ation,

Inte

rpre

tation a

nd A

daption

D

1

Adapt

and c

onserv

e b

oath

ouse s

hed (

1938),

explo

re p

ossib

le o

ptions f

or

part

of

str

uctu

re

(such a

s r

esta

ura

nt, o

pe

n p

avili

on,

or

boat

build

ing f

acili

ty)

B

$30,0

00

HA

MP

P

ote

ntial

Desig

n S

tud

y

Fundin

g o

nly

D

2

Inte

rpre

t fo

rmer

bo

wlin

g g

reen/tennis

court

/orc

hard

/vegeta

ble

gard

en s

uch a

s n

ew

gri

d

pla

nting t

o c

arp

ark

. C

$50,0

00

D

3

Conserv

e a

nd a

da

pt

wa

lkin

g t

racks a

long w

ate

rs e

dge.

M

$15,0

00

Conserv

e a

nd a

dapt

sta

irw

ay t

o b

oats

hed f

rom

road.

B

$30,0

00

Conserv

atio

n

D4

Conserv

e a

bala

nce o

f n

on invasiv

e e

xotic a

nd ind

ige

no

us p

lantin

gs.

M

$50

00

Ne

w W

ork

s

D5

Pro

vid

e p

edestr

ian c

onnection

s t

o A

llam

bie

Rid

ge

B

$10

0,0

00

Footp

ath

im

pro

vem

ents


Man

ag

em

en

t A

rea

It

em

Ac

tio

n

Sta

ges

of

Wo

rks

An

tic

ipa

ted

F

un

din

g

Co

mm

en

ts

S

tag

e A

=

1 -

2 y

ea

rs

Cre

ate

d o

n 6

/23

/20

04

3:5

0

PM

Sta

ge

B

= 3

- 4

ye

ars

Sta

ge

C

= 5

- 6

ye

ars

M

= M

ain

ten

an

ce

Wo

rks

D

6

Impro

ved p

edestr

ian a

ccess inte

gra

ted w

ith w

eir

B

$300,0

00

Engin

eer's S

tudy

requ

ired

D

7

Reco

nstr

uct

bri

dge t

o C

urr

aw

ong F

lat

desig

ned t

o w

ithsta

nd f

lood

ing

B

$50

0,0

00

Engin

eer's S

tud

y

requ

ired

D

8

Reco

nfigure

ca

rpark

ing a

dja

cent

to b

oats

he

d

B

$50,0

00 -

$10

0,0

00

Subje

ct

to e

xte

nt

of

re-p

avin

g r

equ

ired

D

9

Upgra

de f

urn

iture

, sig

nag

e a

nd f

acili

ties

A

$40,0

00

Pa

vilio

n F

lat

Exis

ting F

acili

ties -

Conserv

ation,

Inte

rpre

tation a

nd A

daption

E

1

Conserv

e a

nd inte

rpre

t C

om

mon

we

alth P

avili

on (

1901)

Impro

ve /

resto

re p

icnic

furn

iture

to

the p

avili

on

A

$25,0

00

Deta

il C

onserv

ation

Stu

dy

E

2

Modify e

art

hw

ork

s a

nd t

hin

out

sele

cte

d p

lantings t

o r

ein

sta

te v

iew

s t

o w

ate

r fr

om

Dance

Hall,

Com

monw

ealth P

avili

on,

gra

ssed a

reas,

and r

oad.

M

$25,0

00

E

3

A

$75,0

00

Modify r

oa

d a

nd p

ark

ing a

rou

nd s

outh

ern

ed

ge o

f th

e C

om

mon

we

alth P

avili

on t

o im

pro

ve

curt

ilage a

nd p

edestr

ian c

ircu

lation

E

4

Reta

in W

inifre

d F

alls

Tra

ck a

nd c

rossin

g a

nd inte

rpre

t im

port

ance a

s a

ccess t

rack t

o t

he

east. C

onserv

e r

em

nant

fabric a

nd r

econstr

uct

alig

nm

ent.

B

$35,0

00

Assum

ing

constr

uction b

y

NP

WS

sta

ff

E

5

Adapt

and c

onserv

e D

ance H

all

to a

ccom

mo

date

café

/kio

sk w

ith a

ccessib

le t

oile

t fa

cili

ties

(on lo

we

r le

vel)

and a

dapt

exte

rnal pavem

ent

for

new

uses s

uch a

s a

n o

utd

oor

café

terr

ace.

A

$50,0

00

Desig

n

Docum

enta

tio

n.

Fees a

llow

ance o

nly

280 s

q m

@ $

1,7

00/m

2 +

240sqm

vera

ndah @

$80/s

qm

A

$500,0

00

Constr

uction c

osts

E

6

Consid

er

ada

ptive r

euse p

ote

ntial of

top f

loor

of

Dance H

all

(for

exam

ple

fu

nctions/c

onfe

rences/w

ork

shops/s

talls

and f

airs/theatr

e p

erf

orm

ance s

pace/indoor

cla

ssro

om

/dis

pla

ys/e

xhib

itio

ns).

A

$25,0

00

Feasib

ility

Stu

dy

with a

rch

ite

ct

dra

win

gs a

nd

inte

rior

fito

ut

desig

n

E

7

Modify a

ngle

park

ing t

o p

ara

llel, e

ast

of

the t

oile

t blo

ck f

or

safe

r access

A

$20,0

00

E

8

Impro

ve e

xis

tin

g e

dg

es a

nd p

rovid

e s

uita

ble

access t

o w

ate

r bod

y

M

$20,0

00

Rem

oval W

ork

s

E9

Rem

ove t

em

pora

ry k

iosk.

B

$15,0

00


Man

ag

em

en

t A

rea

It

em

Ac

tio

n

Sta

ges

of

Wo

rks

An

tic

ipa

ted

F

un

din

g

Co

mm

en

ts

S

tag

e A

=

1 -

2 y

ea

rs

Cre

ate

d o

n 6

/23

/20

04

3:5

0

PM

Sta

ge

B

= 3

- 4

ye

ars

Sta

ge

C

= 5

- 6

ye

ars

M

= M

ain

ten

an

ce

Wo

rks

E

10

Rem

ove s

enescin

g p

opla

rs a

nd r

epla

ce w

ith a

ppro

pri

ate

de

cid

uous s

pecie

s.

M

$25,0

00

If u

sin

g a

rbori

st

to

cut

and r

em

ove

E

11

Consid

er

adaptive r

euse a

nd p

art

ial re

moval of

exis

ting t

oile

t blo

ck t

o o

pen u

p v

iew

s t

o

wate

r fr

om

ro

ad

C

$12

0,0

00

Ne

w W

ork

s

E12

Carp

ark

reconfigure

d t

o inclu

de b

us a

nd d

isa

ble

d a

ccess.

B

$20

0,0

00 -

$30

0,0

00

Desig

n

Develo

pm

ent

requ

ired

E

13

Ne

w p

avin

g t

reatm

ents

for

pedestr

ian a

nd v

ehic

le s

afe

ty a

s p

art

of

Sir B

ert

ram

Ste

vens

Drive im

pro

vem

ents

. A

$95,0

00

Paved t

hre

sho

lds

750 s

qm

@ 1

30/m

2

E

14

Pro

vid

e n

ew

and a

ccessib

le t

oile

ts in n

ew

str

uctu

re o

n s

ite o

f te

mpora

ry k

iosk

B

$20

0,0

00

Allo

w a

ppro

x

600sqm

of

build

ing

E

15

Dem

olis

h e

xis

ting t

oile

t blo

ck a

nd p

rovid

e d

eck a

nd v

iew

ing

are

as

C

$40,0

00

E

16

Upgra

de s

ign

age/e

ntr

y m

ark

ers

. A

$10,0

00

E

17

Upgra

de f

urn

iture

an

d f

acili

tie

s.

A

$25,0

00

E

18

Pro

mote

pro

gra

m o

f uses f

or

Dance H

all.

A

S

uth

erl

and S

hir

e

Tourism

Ra

ng

ers

Slo

pe

Ex

isti

ng

Fa

cil

itie

s -

Co

ns

erv

ati

on

, In

terp

reta

tio

n a

nd

Ad

ap

tio

n

F

1

Conserv

e a

nd inte

rpre

t cottage a

nd g

ard

en s

ettin

g -

re-a

dapte

d f

or

use s

uch a

s r

anger's

resid

ence,

education/e

xhib

itio

n/c

lub f

acili

ties.

C

$40,0

00

Clie

nt

pro

vid

ed

figure

Conserv

atio

n

F2

Conserv

e a

nd r

econstr

uct

fen

cin

g,

reta

inin

g w

alls

and p

lantings

C

$70,0

00

F

3

Conserv

e r

em

nant

cultura

l p

lantin

gs

M

$5,0

00

F

4

Conserv

e b

ush

lan

d c

hara

cte

r be

yo

nd c

ottag

e c

urt

ilage.

M

$5,0

00

Rem

oval W

ork

s

F5

Rem

ove s

hed a

nd r

epla

ce w

ith s

ym

path

etic s

tructu

re a

nd s

ettin

g

M

$20,0

00 -

$30,0

00

Ne

w W

ork

s

F6

Reduce v

isual im

pact

of

shed w

ith s

cre

en p

lanting

M

$5,0

00


Man

ag

em

en

t A

rea

It

em

Ac

tio

n

Sta

ges

of

Wo

rks

An

tic

ipa

ted

F

un

din

g

Co

mm

en

ts

S

tag

e A

=

1 -

2 y

ea

rs

Cre

ate

d o

n 6

/23

/20

04

3:5

0

PM

Sta

ge

B

= 3

- 4

ye

ars

Sta

ge

C

= 5

- 6

ye

ars

M

= M

ain

ten

an

ce

Wo

rks

Cu

rraw

on

g F

lat

Exis

ting F

acili

ties -

Conserv

ation,

Inte

rpre

tation a

nd A

daption

G

1

Inte

rpre

t site o

f fo

rmer

avia

ry a

s p

art

of

earlie

r acclim

atisation a

ttem

pts

and e

ncoura

ge

‘wild

life e

nco

un

ters

’ w

ith e

mp

hasis

on b

irds.

B

$40,0

00

Subje

ct

to

inte

rpre

tatio

n.

Allo

wa

nce f

or

ste

el

fram

e s

tructu

re 5

m2

G

2

Conserv

e p

ark

land c

hara

cte

r.

M

$15,0

00

G

3

Conserv

e e

xis

ting e

dg

es a

nd p

rovid

e s

uita

ble

access t

o w

ate

r bod

y.

$10,0

00

Rem

oval W

ork

s

G4

Continue t

o r

em

ove invasiv

e w

eed s

pecie

s.

M

$5,0

00

Conserv

atio

n

G5

Conserv

e a

nd m

ain

tain

Varn

ey B

rid

ge

M

$10,0

00

G

6

Reconstr

uct

form

er

track t

o p

roposed b

ridge t

o A

llam

bie

Fla

t, lin

k a

nd u

se a

s w

alk

ing t

rack.

B

$25,0

00

G

7

Inte

gra

te a

ll w

alk

ing t

racks f

rom

Audle

y t

o H

eath

cote

, W

ate

rfall,

Wattle

fore

st, a

nd loop

tracks t

o lin

k w

ith o

ther

tracks,

flats

and r

oads.

M

$60,0

00

Sig

nage/s

teps a

nd

co

nstr

uctio

ns o

f lo

ops

G

8

Conserv

e A

raucaria p

lantings a

nd r

epla

ce s

enescent

specim

ens w

ith s

am

e o

r sim

ilar

specie

s.

M

$15,0

00

Ne

w W

ork

s

G9

Reco

nfigure

no

rthern

carp

ark

C

$30,0

00

G

10

Reco

nfigure

so

uth

ern

carp

ark

C

$25,0

00

G

11

Upgra

de f

urn

iture

an

d s

ignag

e f

acili

ties

A

$15,0

00

G

12

Ne

w g

as b

arb

eques

A

$15,0

00

G

13

Ne

w P

icnic

Shelters

(2)

at

$30,0

00 e

ach

A

$60,0

00 T

o b

e s

ited

Willo

w T

ree F

lat

an

d F

ig T

ree F

lat

Exis

ting F

acili

ties -

Conserv

ation,

Inte

rpre

tation a

nd A

daption

H

1

Main

tain

/resto

re s

oft e

dges t

o w

ate

r and r

educe s

ele

cte

d s

hru

b p

lantings f

or

better

accessib

ility

to w

ate

r M

$15,0

00

Conserv

atio

n

H2

Adapt

‘Park

lan

d’ qu

alit

y o

f fo

rmed f

lats

to r

educe p

on

din

g a

nd d

rain

ag

e issues b

y g

radin

g

lan

dfo

rm a

nd im

pro

vin

g s

oil

qualit

y w

here

po

ssib

le

M

$35,0

00 -

$40,0

00


Man

ag

em

en

t A

rea

It

em

Ac

tio

n

Sta

ges

of

Wo

rks

An

tic

ipa

ted

F

un

din

g

Co

mm

en

ts

S

tag

e A

=

1 -

2 y

ea

rs

Cre

ate

d o

n 6

/23

/20

04

3:5

0

PM

Sta

ge

B

= 3

- 4

ye

ars

Sta

ge

C

= 5

- 6

ye

ars

M

= M

ain

ten

an

ce

Wo

rks

Rem

oval W

ork

s

H3

Rem

ove s

ele

cte

d invasiv

e a

nd s

enescent

fore

shore

tre

es a

nd s

hru

bs

M

$15,0

00

Ne

w W

ork

s

H4

Reconfigure

carp

ark

ing t

o m

axim

ize o

pen s

pace a

nd s

cre

en c

ar

park

ing a

reas a

s s

een f

rom

A

llam

bie

Fla

t and S

lopes.

B

$30,0

00

Clie

nt

pro

vid

ed

figure

H

5

Upgra

de e

ntr

ance,

sig

nag

e,

bic

ycle

, an

d p

ed

estr

ian a

ccess t

o L

ad

y C

arr

ingto

n D

rive.

B

$15,0

00

H

6

Upgra

de f

urn

iture

, fa

cili

ties a

nd s

igna

ge

A

$25,0

00

H

7

Consid

er

ne

w g

as b

arb

eques

A

$10,0

00

H

8

Ne

w f

ootb

ridge t

o K

ookaburr

a F

lat

Ka

ng

aro

o F

lat

Exis

ting F

acili

ties -

Conserv

ation,

Inte

rpre

tation a

nd A

daption

I1

M

ain

tain

/resto

re s

oft e

dges t

o w

ate

rs e

dg

e a

nd e

ncoura

ge r

ege

nera

tion o

f w

ate

rbird h

abitat

Do

ck

Fla

t (f

orm

erl

y B

us

Sto

p F

lat)

Exis

ting F

acili

ties -

Conserv

ation,

Inte

rpre

tation a

nd A

daption

J1

Inte

rpre

t fo

rmer

Dock a

nd B

us S

top w

aitin

g s

hed/p

avili

on.

For

exam

ple

, pavin

g,

clu

es t

o

form

er

use,

or

seating

B

$15,0

00

J2

Conserv

e s

an

dsto

ne s

ea

wa

ll and s

tairs

A

$50,0

00

J3

Constr

uct

ferr

y w

harf

associa

ted w

ith f

orm

er

Dock a

s p

revio

usly

identified ite

m n

um

ber

A1

B

J4

Red

efine c

onn

ection t

o H

one

ym

oon T

rack

M

$5,0

00

Ne

w W

ork

s

J5

Constr

uct

pla

tform

near

form

er

bus s

top,

desig

ned t

o w

ithsta

nd f

loodin

g a

s p

er

item

A6

(Ha

ckin

g E

stu

ary

) B

$20

0,0

00 E

ngin

eer's S

tud

y

requ

ired

J6

Intr

oduce p

avin

g t

reatm

ent

for

pedestr

ian c

rossin

g p

oin

ts f

or

road t

raffic

calm

ing

A

C

o-o

rdin

ate

with

RT

A.

Fig

ure

part

of

item

C23 r

e:

traffic

calm

ing

J7

Upgra

de t

oile

t blo

ck f

acili

ties inclu

din

g p

ath

wa

y c

onn

ectio

ns

A

$30,0

00

J8

Upgra

de f

urn

iture

, sig

nag

e a

nd f

acili

ties

A

$25,0

00

J9

Impro

ve c

arp

ark

are

a a

nd intr

oduce s

cre

en /

shade p

lanting

A

$10,0

00


Man

ag

em

en

t A

rea

It

em

Ac

tio

n

Sta

ges

of

Wo

rks

An

tic

ipa

ted

F

un

din

g

Co

mm

en

ts

S

tag

e A

=

1 -

2 y

ea

rs

Cre

ate

d o

n 6

/23

/20

04

3:5

0

PM

Sta

ge

B

= 3

- 4

ye

ars

Sta

ge

C

= 5

- 6

ye

ars

M

= M

ain

ten

an

ce

Wo

rks

Po

ol F

lat

an

d S

lop

es

Exis

ting F

acili

ties -

Conserv

ation,

Inte

rpre

tation a

nd A

daption

K

1

Inte

rpre

t arc

haeolo

gic

al sites inclu

din

g f

orm

er

dre

ssin

g s

heds,

cottage s

ites a

nd e

xis

ting

dam

C

$10,0

00

K

2

Part

ial re

constr

uction o

f sw

imm

ing e

nclo

sure

and a

ssocia

ted b

each a

rea,

inclu

din

g s

hark

net

C

$10

0,0

00

Co-o

rdin

ate

with

Wate

rwa

ys

Reconstr

uction a

nd

Resto

ration

K3

Reconstr

uct

ponto

on f

or

ferr

y a

ccess a

s p

er

item

num

ber

A1 (

Hackin

g E

stu

ary

) B

$80,0

00 C

o-o

rdin

ate

with

Wate

rwa

ys

K

4

Reconstr

uct

sto

ne s

ea

wall

A

$50,0

00

Rem

oval W

ork

s

K5

Rem

ove a

nd r

epla

ce s

enescent

trees

M

$15,0

00

Ne

w W

ork

s

K6

Impro

ve p

edestr

ian a

ccess f

rom

we

ir

M

$10,0

00

NP

WS

sta

ff.

Clie

nt

pro

vid

ed f

igure

K

7

Upgra

de s

ign

age,

furn

iture

an

d p

icn

ic f

acili

tie

s

A

$25,0

00

Reid

’s F

lat

an

d S

lop

es

Exis

ting F

acili

ties -

Conserv

ation,

Inte

rpre

tation a

nd A

daption

L1

Adapt

exis

ting c

ottage f

or

short

sta

y a

ccom

modation a

nd inte

rpre

t oth

er

form

er

cottage s

ites

B

$10,0

00

Stu

dy r

equired

L2

Inte

rpre

t fo

rmer

jett

y

C

$10,0

00

Conserv

atio

n

L3

Conserv

e n

atu

ral park

lan

d la

ndsca

pe c

hara

cte

r M

$10,0

00

L4

Consid

er

reconstr

uction o

f je

tty t

o e

nhance r

ecre

ation a

ccess t

o left b

ank

C

$10

0,0

00 -

$15

0,0

00

Ne

w W

ork

s

L5

Sta

bili

se b

each

and s

ea w

alls

A

$15,0

00

Additio

na

l S

tud

y

Req

uire

d

L6

Upgra

de o

f sig

nag

e,

furn

iture

and p

icnic

facili

ties

A

$25,0

00

L7

Impro

ve c

arp

ark

are

a a

nd intr

oduce s

cre

en /

shade p

lanting

B

$10,0

00

Ko

oka

bu

rra

Fla

t a

nd

Wa

ttle

Fo

rest

Exis

ting F

acili

ties -

Conserv

ation,

Inte

rpre

tation a

nd A

daption

M

1

Red

uce c

ar

pa

rkin

g a

dja

cent

to p

avili

on t

o incre

ase r

ecre

ationa

l space a

nd

scenic

am

enity

B

$10,0

00


Man

ag

em

en

t A

rea

It

em

Ac

tio

n

Sta

ges

of

Wo

rks

An

tic

ipa

ted

F

un

din

g

Co

mm

en

ts

S

tag

e A

=

1 -

2 y

ea

rs

Cre

ate

d o

n 6

/23

/20

04

3:5

0

PM

Sta

ge

B

= 3

- 4

ye

ars

Sta

ge

C

= 5

- 6

ye

ars

M

= M

ain

ten

an

ce

Wo

rks

Conserv

ation

M2

Conserv

e w

oodla

nd c

hara

cte

r adja

cent

to F

lats

M

$15,0

00

Ne

w W

ork

s

M3

Upgra

de f

urn

iture

, fa

cili

ties,

sig

nage,

and p

avili

on

A

$30,0

00

Clie

nt

ide

ntifie

d

bud

get

M

4

Consid

er

ne

w p

avili

on/toile

t fa

cili

ties

B

$120,0

00

M

5

Footb

rid

ge t

o F

ig T

ree F

lat

C

$18

0,0

00

Engin

eer's S

tud

y

requ

ired

M

6

Encoura

ge b

ird

watc

hin

g a

ctivitie

s t

hro

ug

h im

pro

ve

d s

ign

ag

e a

nd inte

rpre

tation -

pro

mote

w

ith local bir

dw

atc

hin

g c

lub

B

$10,0

00

M

7

Ne

w g

as b

arb

ecues

AU

DL

EY

AP

PR

OA

CH

ES

Rail

link b

etw

een S

uth

erl

and a

nd N

atio

nal P

ark

Sta

tion

N

1

Inte

rpre

t ra

il lin

k

C

$25,0

00

N

2

Consid

er

eventu

al re

pla

cem

ent

avenues u

sin

g indig

en

ous t

rees.

B

NP

WS

sta

ff

Loftus J

unction

N

3

Conserv

e s

ignific

ant

vegeta

tion.

M

$30,0

00

Stu

dy

Railw

ay lin

e f

rom

Loftus J

unction t

o N

ational P

ark

Sta

tion

N

4

Constr

uct

traffic

im

pro

vem

ents

to F

arn

ell

Avenue

N

5

Inte

rpre

t bra

nch r

ailw

ay lin

e o

ff t

he m

ain

Illa

wa

rra lin

e t

o s

erv

ice t

he M

ilita

ry G

rou

nds

B

$5,0

00

Syd

ne

y T

ram

wa

y

Museum

N

6

Upgra

de f

eatu

res (

e.g

. sig

na

l bo

xes,

culv

ert

s)

B

$10,0

00

Syd

ne

y T

ram

wa

y

Museum

N

7

Conserv

e r

ailw

ay lin

e a

nd a

ve

nue p

lanta

tions.

B

$20,0

00

Stu

dy

N

8

Consid

er

exte

ndin

g r

ail

line t

o o

rigin

al te

rmin

us,

clo

ser

to V

isitor

Centr

e

Gard

en

ers

’ C

ott

age a

nd G

ara

ge

N

9

Revie

w b

uild

ings a

nd c

ond

itio

n.

A

$20,0

00 R

efe

r heri

tage

stu

dy.

Co

nsu

lta

nt

Fees f

or

Feasib

ility

S

tud

y


Man

ag

em

en

t A

rea

It

em

Ac

tio

n

Sta

ges

of

Wo

rks

An

tic

ipa

ted

F

un

din

g

Co

mm

en

ts

S

tag

e A

=

1 -

2 y

ea

rs

Cre

ate

d o

n 6

/23

/20

04

3:5

0

PM

Sta

ge

B

= 3

- 4

ye

ars

Sta

ge

C

= 5

- 6

ye

ars

M

= M

ain

ten

an

ce

Wo

rks

N

10

Conserv

e id

entified landscap

e f

eatu

res

A

$10

0,0

00

Refe

r heri

tage s

tud

y

on G

ard

eners

C

ottage a

rea f

or

recom

me

ndation

N

11

Consid

er

constr

uction o

f carp

ark

facili

ty t

o lin

k t

ram

, car,

shuttle

bus a

nd p

edestr

ian

opport

unitie

s

Ra

wso

n A

ven

ue

N

12

Inte

rpre

t as e

arl

y a

ccess r

oad t

o A

udle

y

C

$20,0

00

Refe

r item

s N

9 –

N

11

NP

WS

sta

ff

inh

ouse w

ork

N

13

Conserv

e a

lign

ment

and a

da

pt

as w

alk

ing t

rack

N

14

Conserv

e a

nd inte

rpre

t no

n-i

nvasiv

e o

rnam

enta

l pla

ntings

M

$10,0

00

National P

ark

Sta

tion

N

15

U

pgra

de s

ign

age a

nd f

acili

tie

s

A

$15,0

00 C

onsultant

stu

dy

requ

ired.

Fees

alo

cate

d

N

16

Resto

re f

abri

c o

f te

rmin

us t

o o

rigin

al configu

ration c

onsis

tent

with e

ntr

ance e

xperi

ence b

y

car;

inte

rpre

t in

clu

din

g s

ignage,

arr

ival m

essage,

dir

ectional m

ark

ers

to v

isitor

centr

e,

furn

iture

desig

n,

vegeta

tion m

anagem

ent, p

ath

wa

y t

o v

isitor

centr

e.

B

$25,0

00 S

yd

ne

y T

ram

wa

y

Museum

. C

onsultatio

n s

tud

y

requ

ired.

Fees

allo

we

d

N

17

Impro

ve lin

ks t

o e

xis

ting w

alk

ing t

racks a

nd r

esto

red Z

ig Z

ag T

rack.

C

NP

WS

sta

ff

NP

WS

Head

qu

art

ers

/Vis

itor

Centr

e a

nd E

nvir

onm

enta

l E

ducation C

entr

e

N

18

Inte

gra

te E

nvironm

enta

l E

ducation C

entr

e w

ith t

he N

PW

S V

isitors

Centr

e a

nd N

ational P

ark

S

tation

B

$25,0

00 F

easib

ility

Stu

dy

Lin

ked w

ith N

ationa

l P

ark

Sta

tion.

Consultant

Fee

s

Mili

tary

Gro

und

s

N

19

Inte

rpre

t fo

rmer

use s

uch a

s b

y u

ncoveri

ng f

orm

er

track a

nd p

rovid

ing c

lues t

o f

orm

er

use.

C

$30,0

00

N

20

Adapt

entr

y,

incorp

ora

te r

elo

cate

d f

loo

dg

ate

sig

nage a

nd inte

rpre

t fo

rmer

entr

y t

o M

ilita

ry

encam

pm

ent.

C

$25,0

00 N

PW

S s

taff

Hackin

g E

stu

ary

Ap

pro

ach

N

21

Conserv

e n

atu

ral la

ndscape s

ettin

g o

f P

ort

Hackin

g v

alle

y.

M

$50,0

00

N

22

Impro

ve s

ignage a

nd e

ntr

y a

ppro

aches

A

$15,0

00 N

PW

S s

taff


Man

ag

em

en

t A

rea

It

em

Ac

tio

n

Sta

ges

of

Wo

rks

An

tic

ipa

ted

F

un

din

g

Co

mm

en

ts

S

tag

e A

=

1 -

2 y

ea

rs

Cre

ate

d o

n 6

/23

/20

04

3:5

0

PM

Sta

ge

B

= 3

- 4

ye

ars

Sta

ge

C

= 5

- 6

ye

ars

M

= M

ain

ten

an

ce

Wo

rks

N

23

Conserv

e t

racks a

nd f

lats

M

$100,0

00

NP

WS

sta

ff

N

24

Recover

form

er

tracks

M

$1

00

,00

0N

PW

S s

taff

N

25

Conserv

e t

rain

ing w

alls

C

NP

WS

sta

ff

Lad

y C

arr

ingto

n

Drive

N

26

Conserv

e a

nd inte

rpre

t fe

atu

res o

f D

rive inclu

din

g J

ers

ey S

prin

gs,

bo

xe

d c

ulv

ert

s,

sandsto

ne r

eta

inin

g w

alls

, P

alo

na C

ave t

rack m

ark

er,

Walu

marr

a t

rack m

ark

er,

gra

vel

borr

ow

pit.

B

$30,0

00

Inte

rnal N

PW

S.

NP

WS

supplie

d

figure

N

27

Conserv

e s

outh

ern

entr

y a

nd g

ate

wa

y a

nd u

pgra

de s

igna

ge a

nd f

ixtu

res

B

$15,0

00

N

28

Reco

nfigure

an

d d

efin

e c

arp

ark

ing a

rrang

em

ents

at

South

ern

end

B

$10,0

00 R

egra

de a

nd

sta

bili

se

N

29

Inte

gra

te w

ith o

ther

tracks a

nd f

eatu

res inclu

din

g P

alo

na C

ave,

Walu

marr

a T

rack,

Fore

st

Path

, C

oura

nga,

and U

loola

Tra

ck.

M

$5

0,0

00

NP

WS

sta

ff

N

30

Cle

arl

y d

efine n

ort

hern

entr

ance (

refe

r actio

n H

5)

B

$15,0

00

Win

ifre

d F

alls

Tra

ck

N

31

Conserv

e a

nd r

econstr

uct

track e

ntr

y a

t A

udle

y a

s f

or

Pavili

on F

lat

(refe

r action E

4)

C

Item

s N

28-N

30

NP

WS

sta

ff

N

32

Inte

gra

te w

ith o

ther

tracks

C

N

33

Inte

gra

te w

alk

with p

robable

destinations inclu

din

g W

inifre

d F

alls

, A

nis

e F

alls

, M

aia

nbar,

B

on

nie

Va

le,

Bu

nd

ee

na

, M

arl

ey,

Wa

tta

mo

lla.

C

Zig

Zag T

rack

N

34

Reconstr

uct

Zig

Zag t

rack a

nd inte

rpre

t C

NP

WS

sta

ff

COPYRIGHT FOR NPWS · 4.7.1 Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park and Garawarra State...

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Transcript of COPYRIGHT FOR NPWS · 4.7.1 Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park and Garawarra State...